Beyond the Box for Higher Education Act of 2026

Less screening for college applicants

If enacted, the Education Department would issue guidance to help colleges stop asking about criminal or juvenile justice histories on admissions forms when not needed. The guidance would recommend removing such questions and, if questions are kept, asking only later (for housing, clinical placements, licensure checks, or student conduct) and only when narrowly needed. The guidance would recommend timing questions so they do not block enrollment, privacy protections, chance for applicants to explain their history, and giving notice and reasons within 30 days if admission is denied or rescinded solely for justice history. The Department would also create a Resource Center for best practices and research and provide training using funds already available to the Department, including on avoiding proxy questions and improving access to work‑study and on‑campus jobs.