Ban the Box: Opening the Door to College for Felons

by Josh Moody - U.S. News

One way the higher education landscape has evolved in recent years can be seen in the "ban the box" movement – also dubbed "beyond the box" by some proponents. In short, the movement encourages colleges and employers to not ask about criminal history on an application for admission or a job.

It's a move that former President Barack Obama embraced in 2015 and that numerous states and cities across the country have adopted in recent years to discourage employment discrimination against ex-prisoners.

Read more: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/ban-the-box-opening-the-door-to-college-for-felons

U of I System Moves, But Doesn’t ‘Ban The Box’ On Applications

by Lee V. Gaines - will.iiinois.edu

Prospective undergraduate students applying to the University of Illinois’ three campuses won’t be asked about their criminal histories until after they’ve been admitted.

The change is reflected in the fall 2020 undergraduate application, and was in effect for some transfer students who applied for the upcoming spring 2020 semester, according to university officials.

Read more: https://will.illinois.edu/news/story/u-of-i-system-moves-but-doesnt-ban-the-box-on-applications