Ban-the-Box on Applications to PA Public Colleges and Universities

News Release

Bill Information

News Coverage

• WHYY: ‘Ban-the-box’ bill would nix criminal record question from Pa. college applications
• NBC10: Advocates Discuss Importance of 'Ban the Box' Legislation
• Philadelphia Tribune: State representatives want to ban box from admission applications
• Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Legislation would bar Pa. public colleges, universities from asking applicants about criminal background
• The Daily Pennsylvanian: Pa. lawmakers introduce law to bar colleges from asking for applicants' criminal records
• Pennsylvania Capital-Star: It’s time to unlock higher education for Pennsylvanians with records | Opinion

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Press conference announcing the introduction of HB2952 with Rep. Morgan Cephas and Rep. Jason Ortitay and advocates.

Ban the Box! Unlock Higher Education!

Ban the Box! Unlock Higher Education! from Mark Aloysious Strandquist on Vimeo.

Do you believe that everyone deserves an education? Join students, teachers, lawyers, and formerly incarcerated advocates as we tell Philadelphia Colleges and Universities...Ban the box! Unlock Education!

In the US, more than 70 Million people have a criminal record (more than the entire population of France!). These records hold people back and shackle people to their pasts. Whenever prospective students with criminal records apply to college in Philadelphia, they are confronted with confusing, exclusionary, and discriminatory questions about their criminal records. 60% of applicants who checked the box on their application (stating that they had a criminal record) DID NOT complete their application (see report linked below for more information). This deterrent further locks out potential students from opportunities that keep people free, and help our friends and family members achieve their dreams (not just dead end jobs).
The best way to keep people free is to connect those in reentry with positive, life-affirming programs and opportunities. Education frees us all, join us as we ask Temple University, and every college in Philadelphia to #BanTheBox on their college application and unlock educational opportunities for all Philadelphians!

This campaign is being co-organized by the Reentry Think Tank, People's Paper Co-op and Community Legal Services.

Sign the petition here:
https://www.change.org/p/philadelphia-university-college-presidents-ban-the-box-end-higher-ed-discrimination