Oklahoma-Breaking Barriers: Why the Criminal History Question on College Applications Must Go.
Oklahoma—Many people have asked why I am so passionate about criminal history on college applications. The answer is simple. It significantly impacted my life, which is often how we become involved in different issues. It has been a part of my life for years. Imagine being told your dream of a college education hinges on documents you can’t access. For many with a criminal history, this is the reality — a reality I’ve lived.”
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We are in the moment to have critical conversations about disenfranchisement! We elected a person convicted of 34 felonies as President. Whether you believe it was justified, the boxes I am talking about don’t ask about nuance! They simply ask, “Have you ever been convicted of a felony?”
Why do I care? I was denied entry into Oklahoma State University due to the overburdensome process. The constant requests for additional documents felt insurmountable, like walking up a down escalator. The University asks for more documentation than an employer would require. I was asked for a police report in Seminole County from 1998 for a misdemeanor citation. The courthouse said what they wanted did not exist. It was a fool's errand.
Improving your life and gaining upward social mobility is very frustrating, and you still have barriers. However, I was fortunate to find an inclusive University and was admitted. The process at Langston University was more common sense, and I was accepted with no restrictions. I graduated either the top or 2nd in my class, I can’t remember, but the goal was to finish, and that is all that mattered.
While I was fortunate to find a supportive institution, many others are not so lucky. This is not just my story—it’s a systemic issue. I am not alone. Many applicants face these barriers continually, creating a system that discourages upward social mobility for those who need it the most and have the fewest resources.
I contacted my legislator about this box, and in 2020, the Oklahoma House of Representatives conducted an interim study on the issue. My story was featured in the local Stillwater paper under a pseudonym prior to the study.
In 2020, an Oklahoma House interim study on the criminal history question highlighted these barriers, presented data, and heard from impacted individuals. Still, despite expert input and bipartisan acknowledgment of the problem, no action was taken.
Later, I entered an online graduate program and encountered the same question at East Central University. Yes, the box is even there for online classes! The process at this University was not as burdensome, and I was admitted. I later transferred to Walden because their university was known for online classes. It was ideal for a person working and going to school, and I completed my MSCJ in November of 2023.
The experience prompted me to found a new non-profit, “Bridges Built By Us.” We are dedicated to removing barriers to education, whether people are in or out of custody. We strongly support PEP programs! We seek to make change through advocacy and education of stakeholders, and we will help those with criminal histories navigate the current process and explore options.
We seek to partner with decision-makers, communities, and, most importantly, justice-impacted individuals to hear their stories. We are a small group with only three board members, but we are all justice-impacted individuals.
As Glenn Martin would say, “People closest to the problem are closest to the solution but furthest from power and resources.”
My story illustrates a systemic issue: the criminal history question creates unnecessary barriers for individuals seeking education. Removing this question is a small but critical step toward expanding access to higher education and fostering upward mobility for marginalized demographics.
Removing the criminal history question isn’t just about fairness but unlocking potential. It’s about ensuring that nobody is denied the chance to rebuild their life through education. If you would like to get involved or need help navigating the Oklahoma College application, visit our website below:
