http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/15/nyregion/suny-to-stop-asking-applicants-about-felony-convictions.html 2016-09-14 21:40:52 SUNY to Stop Asking Applicants About Felony Convictions The vote comes amid a growing movement to have universities cease inquiring about criminal histories when students apply, a practice many say hurts black applicants disproportionately. === One of the largest public university systems in the country will no longer ask applicants whether they have been convicted of a felony, after the The vote comes amid a The SUNY system, which has 64 campuses across New York, has been debating the change in its application process since last year. In the spring, the student assembly passed a resolution calling for the university to end the practice. In a recent memorandum, Nancy L. Zimpher, the SUNY chancellor, recommended the change, noting that “it is in the interest of the State of New York to facilitate the admission of individuals with previous criminal convictions into the university because access to higher education can enhance public safety by reducing recidivism and facilitating successful reintegration.” On Wednesday, the 18-member board of trustees voted formally to adopt the change. Instead of being asked during the application process, students will be asked about prior felony convictions after they are admitted and only if they seek on-campus housing or participate in clinical, field or study abroad programs. “Today’s policy revision is a milestone achievement for SUNY,” Ms. Zimpher said in a statement.