Cummings, Richmond Introduce Education Bill for Citizens with Criminal Records

Press Release

Today, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (MD-07) and Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statements after introducing the Beyond the Box for Higher Education Act of 2019, legislation intended to create more educational opportunities for Americans with criminal records. This bill was originally introduced in the United States Senate by Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI).

"Education changes lives, often keeping individuals off the path that originally led them to incarceration. It is tragic that aspiring students may be barred from educational opportunities because of a criminal or juvenile record. We must look beyond the box to see the person who is attempting to better themselves," said Congressman Cummings. "The bill we introduced today will provide guidance and training to higher education institutions so that they can remove the barriers that hold many aspiring students back from successfully starting their second chance."

"Education is the gateway for success in accomplishing anything in life, and all American citizens regardless of a criminal background deserve the right to an education," Rep. Richmond said. "This bill is a necessary step forward to removing collateral consequences and systemic barriers to entry for people who deserve another chance at life. I applaud Senator Schatz for his leadership in introducing this bill in the Senate, and I thank Congressman Cummings for co-leading this legislation with me in the House."

Source