“Ban the box” movement takes aim at college applications

“When it comes to second chances,” said Tate, of Centennial, “I think the government should be wanting to make sure those who want to be better for themselves, seize personal responsibility and pursue education — meaning, make their lives better — should be incentivized to do that.”

"The Rodriguez/Tate bill would prohibit the University of Colorado and Colorado State University systems, as well as all other public higher-ed institutions in the state, from inquiring about their applicants’ criminal histories prior to admission. They’d still be able to inquire about pending criminal cases, but the bill seeks to leave the past in the past."

"It’s similar to the “ban the box”-for-employment bill that Reps. Leslie Herod and Jovan Melton, both Democrats, are running a bill this session."

"But that bill only has a shot at becoming law this year because Democrats control the state legislature and the governorship. Republicans generally oppose banning the box on job applications, because, they say, the government shouldn’t be allowed to tell employers how to screen applicants."

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