CT News Junkie: Democrats Want To ‘Ban the Box’ Asking About School Disciplinary History On College Applications
Based on the recent trend of colleges and universities asking prospective students about their school disciplinary histories on their applications, a group of Democrats is supporting a “ban-the-box” bill to prohibit the practice during college admissions.
The bill, HB 5339, is up for a second year after failing to pass in 2023. It would prohibit higher education institutions from asking for students’ school disciplinary history during the admissions process. In the bill, “school disciplinary history” refers to any record of a violation against a student in any secondary or postsecondary institution. The bill is currently before the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee.
Rep. Robyn Porter, a New Haven Democrat who co-chairs the Juvenile Justice Oversight and Policy Committee, advocated for the bill during a news conference with the Connecticut Justice Alliance on Tuesday at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.
Porter said the “ban the box” concept originated as an effort to promote fair employment opportunities for those with criminal records. By instituting the policy through the higher education sector, students with criminal or school disciplinary histories won’t have to disclose that information.
