The Denver Post: President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday requiring U.S. colleges to commit to protecting speech rights on campus or lose federal research funding, claiming many schools “have become increasingly hostile to free speech and to the First Amendment.”

But Colorado higher-education institutions — including the University of Colorado, Colorado State University, the University of Northern Colorado and Metropolitan State University of Denver — say they already are dedicated to the free expression of ideas and opinions on their campuses, and are in line with the executive action.

“Free speech has long been a focus at the University of Colorado, and we feel like we’re not only ahead of the game but leaders, nationally, with this issue,” said Ken McConnellogue, spokesman for the CU system, which includes the Boulder, Denver, Colorado Springs and Anschutz campuses.

Trump’s order follows a growing chorus of complaints from conservatives who say their voices have been stifled on campuses across the U.S., including on CU’s Boulder campus. It would apply to certain education grants but not to federal financial aid for students, and mandates that colleges receiving research grants from federal agencies agree to uphold free-speech policies.

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