National News
UW system may consider criminal background checks for students
February 24, 2017 posted by Steve Brownstein
A proposed policy change could mean UW-schools will start requiring criminal background checks before admitting students.
Wisconsin Universities don't currently look at a student's criminal history but after protests erupted when a student tried to start a pro-white group at the University of Wisconsin Madison, Wisconsin university officials are reconsidering their current practice of not asking students about their criminal history.
"What they're looking at is, is it possible to have a question on the application, that would say have you ever been convicted of a felony and if so, what was the nature of the crime?," said UWL Chancellor Joe Gow.
After Madison University students protested Daniel Dropik's attempt to start a white nationalist group on campus, it also brought attention to his criminal record of setting two black churches on fire in 2005.
Now president of the UW system is considering criminal background checks, which Gow mostly opposes.
"I think it will be very challenging because you know in our society we do say that you've paid your debt if you've served your time or paid the penalty and that you're rehabilitated," he said.
He also questions where the line will be drawn.
"My biggest concern is the difficulty in judging what kind of crimes do people move on from and what kind of crimes maybe they don't?"
Some UWL students say when it comes to campus safety, a criminal background check is not a bad idea.
"I guess I don't see why that would be an issue, considering we all want to be safe at school," said Mikayla Chrisler.
Other students say it depends on the severity of the crime.
"I would like to see people have a second chance, that would be really good but at the same time I feel like there are certain things that don't really deserve a second chance," said Austin Weber.
"I do believe in second chances so yes I do think they should try and help him but it's about the students and how much a threat he poses to them," said Jacob Brown.
Gow also said this has been a topic of discussion long before the protests happened.
He also said it will be interesting to find out if all Wisconsin universities will be required to conduct criminal background checks if Madison's university does go forth with the policy.
University officials also say it's important to weigh all the consequences of adding such a requirement before making it part of the application process.
