Colorado State University is rooted in democracy.

CSU was founded in 1870 as one of our country’s land grant institutions. It was created with the mission to strengthen our democracy through broad access to a world-class education; purpose-driven research; and service for the betterment of our society. Over the last 154 years at our great university, that mission has only become more critical.

Today, we continue to fulfill our mission with the belief that it is CSU’s responsibility to produce engaged, informed citizens who are ready to converse with one another, to vote, and to participate in all facets of civil society.


The Democracy Project

Democracy-centered events at CSU

Our job is to create an environment where every member of our community can express themselves and learn from the different views, experiences, and knowledge of other people, even when they disagree. Through hundreds of events, discussions, and debates, our university is learning about the importance of having civil conversations and working together. Together, we are building the muscles we need to disagree better.


Special guests at CSU

Featured: A Conversation on the First Amendment and Higher Education

Featured: Presidential Conversation with Ron Daniels

Vote

Voting in elections is a fundamental right and foundation of a democracy. As a University community, our collective civic participation is more significant than ever.

CSU students have a higher voting rate than their peers. In 2020, 76.4% of all eligible CSU students voted in the election, much higher than the national average of 66% of students at other universities. Students can vote in their college towns.


First Amendment

The First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States is comprised of only 45 words, but gives U.S. citizens the rights that are foundational to a democracy, including free speech.


More about The Democracy Project

The Democracy Project is a full-length documentary that chronicles the journey of democracy on the University’s Main Campus in 2023-2024 as part of an ongoing effort that includes speakers, events and coursework-related conversations.

“As a land grant institution, a research institution, the reason we exist today is to strengthen and to fuel the fire that is democracy.”

– CSU President Amy Parsons

CSU Centers focused on democracy

Straayer Center for Public Service Leadership mission is to equip student leaders with the education, skills, and experience to be successful public servants.

Center for Public Deliberation is dedicated to enhancing local democracy through improved public communication and community problem-solving.