The Independent

Pierre’s amended ‘ban the box’ bill headed to JBE

by Matt Houston, Manship School News Service

Rep. Vincent Pierre
Photo by Robin May

The House approved, 90-1, Senate amendments to House Bill 688 by Rep. Vincent Pierre, D-Lafayette, preventing Louisiana’s public colleges and universities, with a couple of exceptions, from inquiring about a prospective student’s criminal history during the application process.

Per the amendments, an institution could ask about convictions of rape, sexual battery, stalking and cyberstalking before accepting a student. If a university denies a student admission based on one of these crimes, they must notify him or her and allow the student to appeal the decision.

After a student is accepted, the university could then inquire about other convictions for the purposes of offering counseling or supportive services, or to limit participation in certain aspects of campus life.

Institutions can still ask about convictions prior to admission for secondary information like immunization or financial aid.

The bill now goes to the desk of Gov. John Bel Edwards for consideration.