Dive Brief:
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The U.S. Department of Education on Monday announced a set of reforms aimed around removing barriers for justice-involved youth to pursue higher education.
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Among the changes recommended in the new guidance are the notion that institutions should not ask about a prospective student’s criminal justice involvement until after an admissions decision has been made; narrowing the focus of any such questions and giving students the opportunity to explain any previous criminal justice involvement; and providing training for admissions staff on how to properly use any information disclosed.
- The department also recommends universities undergo a self-assessment and determine “whether criminal history information is necessary for admissions.”
Dive Insight:
The Obama administration has made increasing educational opportunities for those who have been incarcerated a high priority. From opening up Pell grants and expanding education programs for current and former inmates, to last November’s announcement of $8 million in grants for formerly-incarcerated students looking to pursue a degree, the administration has been committed to the idea that everyone deserves a second chance, which Ed Secretary Dr. John B. King, Jr. reiterated during Monday’s announcement.
Most groups applaud the announcement, as the conversation about increasing access in higher education continues to rage on. The Lawyers Committee recently called for the elimination of similar questions on the Common Application.