Formerly justice-involved people who are now seeking a second chance at life have greater access to higher education thanks to legislation passed by Sen. Marie Pinkney.
Senate Bill 13, also known as the Ban the Box Act, prevents Delaware’s higher education institutions from asking prospective students any questions about their criminal history during the initial application or admissions process except in limited instances.
Under SB 13, Delaware colleges and universities are required to replace blanket questions about criminal convictions on student applications with more targeted questions about convictions for stalking, sexual assault, other sexual offenses, and similar crimes.
After accepting a student for admission, higher education institutions are still allowed to request a student’s criminal history to make decisions about their participation in campus life or whether supportive counseling is required. However, the school must consider the nature and gravity of the student’s prior conduct, the amount of time that has passed since any conviction, the age of the student when the incident occurred and any evidence of rehabilitation.
Additional information also may be sought after the admissions process if a student’s criminal history is relevant to licensing and certifications required in their career field.
