Schatz Commends Association of American Colleges & Universities For Efforts To Destigmatize Criminal History In Higher Education
AAC&U Action Came In Response to Request from Schatz
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) commended the Association of American Colleges & Universities (AAC&U) for urging its member institutions to review policies related to students with criminal histories. AAC&U called on its members to “take action to mitigate the negative effects that [criminal justice] involvement can have on students, on communities, and on America’s democratic promise.” The move came in response to a letter Senator Schatz sent to six higher education associations and the Common Application asking them to “ban the box” and remove questions about criminal history from admissions processes.
“This move takes us one step further in restoring hope and opportunity for people with criminal records, who face an uphill battle in trying to improve their lives and pursue the American dream,” said Senator Schatz. “I hope that others in the higher education community will follow their lead.”
AAC&U is one of the largest national higher education associations with 1,400 member institutions—including accredited public and private colleges, community colleges, research universities, and comprehensive universities.
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