“Louisiana Grunge Flag” by Nicolas Raymond licensed under CC BY 2.0

Source: NPR

Public universities in Louisiana are the first in the nation to prohibit asking about a potential student’s criminal history.

The decision aims to give opportunities to past criminals in the state as Louisiana has the highest incarceration rate in the US.

While some private colleges and public universities refuse to ask about an applicant’s criminal history, Louisiana is the first to implement the statewide ban.

University officials can ask if applicants have a criminal history only if he or she was incarcerated for stalking or sexual assault.

The new law also allows universities to ask about a student’s criminal history once he or she is accepted in order to make decisions regarding counseling, housing, and student aid.

Read Full Story: NPR