By Illinois Radio Network
SPRINGFIELD – University of Illinois schools will no longer ask applicants about their criminal past until after they’re accepted into the university.
The U of I announced that it will no longer include a question on its application asking about criminal convictions. The school would initiate a process to deliberate whether or not to rescind the invitation to attend. Advocates like William Vavrin, a U of I alumni and founder of Yes Apply Illinois, said removing the question on the front end was a good first step, but asking about criminal history in the second part of acceptance shouldn’t be done.
“By having the question still on the intent-to-enroll section, we’re still not fully fulfilling the University of Illinois’ mission of access, inclusion and diversity,” he said. “For it to fully fulfill the duties of the university, it would be fully removing the question.”
Most applicants who have to admit to a criminal past don’t complete the application after seeing they must “check the box,” Vavrin said.
The policy disproportionately affects minority applicants, he said.
Illinois State University Police Chief Aaron Woodruff understands the want to drop the question from applications, but said universities must ensure student safety.
“I could never support that based on the need to make sure we’re doing everything we can to keep the campuses as safe as possible,” he said.
ISU still asks about criminal history on its applications.
Legislation banning the question on applications failed in 2018.
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