Texas House Bill HB1672

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to requiring public institutions of higher education to request student disciplinary records for certain applicants for admission to the institution.

Impact

This legislation would amend the Education Code by adding Section 51.9246, which mandates that public colleges and universities actively seek disciplinary records upon receiving applications from students. By implementing this requirement, the bill seeks to foster a more informed admissions process. The integration of disciplinary records is intended to help institutions maintain standards of conduct among their student body and safeguard the safety and integrity of the academic environment.

Summary

House Bill 1672 aims to enhance the admissions process for public institutions of higher education in Texas by requiring these institutions to request student disciplinary records from previous educational institutions for applicants seeking undergraduate transfer or graduate admissions. The bill aims to ensure that admitting institutions are aware of an applicant's past academic conduct, thereby potentially improving the decision-making process regarding student admissions.

Contention

While the bill's intent is to enhance campus safety and promote accountability among students, concerns may arise regarding the balance between transparency and student privacy. The bill explicitly states that all actions must comply with federal confidentiality laws, such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). However, critics may argue that requesting disciplinary records could potentially harm applicants who have had past infractions, regardless of the context, thus raising ethical concerns about fairness and the potential for bias in the admissions process.