By Heidi Ganahl | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
The race for University of Colorado regent at-large in 2024 is shaping up to be a critical contest that will determine the future direction of the University of Colorado system.
Two candidates, Eric Rinard and Elliott Hood, are vying for the position, offering voters a clear choice in their vision for the state’s flagship university. While Hood emphasizes affordability and inclusivity, Rinard brings a unique focus on preserving free speech, promoting diverse viewpoints, and addressing concerns about governance that transcend party lines.
A key moment in Rinard’s campaign came with the endorsement of former U.S. Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a highly respected figure in Colorado politics known for his bipartisan achievements. Campbell’s endorsement not only highlights Rinard’s dedication to principle over partisanship, but also underscores the personal connection between the two. Rinard supported Campbell more than 30 years ago when the senator was still a Democrat, crossing party lines to vote for him in a primary based on shared values. Today, Campbell’s support for Rinard is a testament to Rinard’s commitment to those same values, emphasizing character and integrity over political affiliation.
Rinard’s approach to the CU regent role focuses on fostering a free marketplace of ideas, which he believes is essential for the university’s long-term success. He has made it clear that his mission is to ensure that the university remains a place where diverse opinions can compete openly and fairly, rather than being stifled by any political orthodoxy. This stance is particularly appealing to those concerned about the increasing ideological conformity seen on many college campuses across the country.
In contrast, Rinard’s opponent, Elliott Hood, has made student affordability a centerpiece of his campaign. Hood’s platform prioritizes reducing student debt and stabilizing tuition rates, aiming to make higher education more accessible for all Coloradans. While these are laudable goals, Rinard’s supporters argue that addressing affordability without considering the broader intellectual environment at CU misses a crucial part of the puzzle. For Rinard, ensuring that students are exposed to a wide range of ideas and perspectives is just as important as managing the cost of education.
The contrast between the two candidates is stark. While Hood’s campaign focuses on practical solutions to economic issues faced by students, Rinard’s candidacy offers a broader vision of what the university should represent. Rinard is deeply concerned about preserving the university as a space where intellectual diversity thrives and where students are encouraged to think critically about the world around them. This emphasis on fostering debate and discussion is critical for preparing students not just for careers, but for active and informed citizenship.
The endorsement from Ben Nighthorse Campbell adds weight to Rinard’s candidacy, especially given Campbell’s distinguished record of bipartisan leadership. During his time in the U.S. Senate, Campbell was instrumental in the creation of two national parks and two national museums, achievements made possible by his ability to work across the aisle. This track record of cooperation and compromise is something Rinard seeks to emulate as CU regent, bringing a spirit of collaboration to the Board of Regents.
Rinard’s personal relationship with Campbell has deepened over the years, and their recent visit to the Campbell family ranch in Ignacio, Colo., reflects more than just a political alliance. It symbolizes a shared commitment to Colorado’s future and a mutual belief in the importance of defending individual freedom from government overreach. As Rinard noted, Campbell’s endorsement is particularly meaningful because it reinforces the values that have guided both of their careers — values that transcend party politics and focus on doing what is right for the people of Colorado.
Looking ahead to the November 2024 election, voters will have to decide what kind of leadership they want for the University of Colorado. While both candidates bring important perspectives, Rinard’s emphasis on free speech, intellectual diversity and principled leadership sets him apart. With the backing of a respected figure like Ben Nighthorse Campbell and a focus on preserving CU as a bastion of open debate and discussion, Rinard offers a vision for the university that is both ambitious and grounded in core American values.
Ultimately, the race for CU regent at-large is about more than just managing the university’s budget or controlling tuition rates. It’s about the kind of intellectual environment the university will foster for future generations of students. Eric Rinard’s candidacy promises to uphold the principles of free expression and intellectual diversity that are essential to the university’s mission, making him a strong choice for voters looking for thoughtful, principled leadership in 2024.
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.