WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Congressman Troy Carter (D-LA), and Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) reintroduced the Beyond the Box for Higher Education Act. Congresswoman Dean and Senator Schatz previously introduced this bicameral legislation in 2021. The Beyond the Box Act would provide colleges and universities guidance on the removal of criminal and juvenile justice questions from their initial application for admissions.
Almost one out of three Americans have some kind of arrest or conviction record that would appear in a criminal background check. Individuals with criminal or juvenile justice involvement experience barriers to educational opportunities, decreased earnings, and increased poverty.
One significant barrier that these individuals face is that most colleges and universities ask criminal justice, juvenile justice, and/or school disciplinary questions in their admissions processes. People with felony convictions are forty percent less likely to complete college applications than people without, and the application rejection rates for individuals with felony convictions can be as high as 2.5 times the rate of those without.
“As a former professor, I have seen firsthand how education can change lives” Rep. Dean said. “Ensuring everyone has the opportunity to claim their education is a priority for me – and people who have made mistakes in the past and are looking for a fresh start are no exception. I am grateful to work alongside Senator Schatz on the Beyond the Box Act to open doors for so many students.”
“People with a criminal record should have the chance to learn or go back to school,” said Senator Schatz. “This bill targets the barriers that make it harder for people to pursue a better life through higher education.”
“This is a crucial initiative to address the significant barriers faced by individuals with criminal or juvenile justice histories in pursuing college. Current higher education policies perpetuate social and economic disparities, and increase obstacles to educational opportunities, earnings, unemployment, and poverty for formerly incarcerated individuals. I’m proud to champion this legislation with my colleagues which focuses on addressing the root causes of these challenges and aligns with the principles of justice, equity, and access to education for everyone,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr.
The Beyond the Box for Higher Education Act directs the Department of Education to provide guidance on:
- Whether criminal and juvenile justice questions are necessary in the initial application for admissions;
- How to create a process to determine when criminal or juvenile justice information can be requested of students for non-admissions purposes; and
- How colleges and universities that decide to keep criminal and juvenile justice questions can reduce their impact on the admissions process.
Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.
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