Illinois is the first state to consider allowing college applicants to refrain from disclosing their criminal history. 55th District Senator Dale Righter says this bill could be detrimental to enrollment at public universities, because he says it could be a safety concern for prospective students and parents. "We lose enough students already to those neighboring states from here in Illinois I would be concerned that this would be another reason why students might look out of state for their higher education needs," said Righter. Eastern Illinois University incoming student body president Luke Young says he understands the concern for safety but says candidates also have a right to academic success. "It does give people a chance that may have made just one mistake and it's not that they are a danger to anyone else to give them a chance to come to school to get an education to be on the right track," said Young. Eastern student Luke Lacina says he doesn't think the proposed legislation is fair to already admitted students. "I worked hard to not have a criminal record like I didn't do anything bad so I believe that everyone should get checked out," said Lacina. Righter says he believes universities should have the right to decide, but applicants should be allowed to explain. "Campus security is an issue whether or not someone has a history of criminal conviction is relevant to that issue and therefore it should be allowed to be asked on these college and university applications," said Righter.
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