The Academic Freedom bill died Thursday in the Colorado House.

It would have protected free speech rights of professors, researchers and students. It also would have barred the use of political or religious views in considering rewards, promotions or discrimination claims.

The bill was introduced in the aftermath of the Ward Churchill controversy. Republicans were against it, and despite their minority status in the state house, it was defeated by a vote of 35-33.

Defeating the bill "is to protect those institutions that we value, it's to protect our kids we send there and to protect Colorado's reputation," said Rep. Bill Cadman, R-Colorado Springs.