A western New York senator says SUNY's recent admission policy is outrageous and dangerous.
In September, SUNY announced it would no longer ask students to declare past felony convictions when applying.
Senator Catherine Young, representing the 57th District, condemned the decision, and is introducing legislation requiring the system to screen applicants for felony convictions. Young has also drafted a letter to the SUNY Board of Trustees urging them to reconsider.
"Students should have a basic expectation that their college environment is safe, and parents should not have to worry when they send their kids off to school. The state Legislature has passed several initiatives in recent years aimed at reducing instances of sexual assault and violence on campus. This policy change flies in the face of our efforts, and has the potential to allow rapists and other violent felons to be present on campuses, unbeknownst to those around them, or those in charge," said Senator Young.
The new policy doesn't go into effect until July for the 2018 student recruitment cycle.
