Contact Congress about S. 3379: Beyond the Box for Higher Education Act of 2023
Colleges would be urged to stop asking about criminal or juvenile records early in admissions. If they still ask, they would be guided to wait, explain why, protect privacy, and train staff.
Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.
Beyond the Box for Higher Education Act of 2023 is a Senate bill in Congress.
Who this affects: This bill mainly affects people with criminal records or juvenile court history who want to apply to college. It also affects colleges that ask about those histories, because they would get new federal guidance and staff training. Campus offices that handle admissions, aid, housing, jobs, student life, and career advice could all change how they collect and use this information.
Why this matters: A criminal record or juvenile court history can stop people from applying to college, even before a school reviews their grades or goals. This bill would try to make colleges ask for that information later, less often, or only when they truly need it. It could make college access fairer for people returning from the justice system. The impact is uncertain because the bill uses guidance and recommendations, not a full ban.
Key provisions in S. 3379
- The Education Secretary would tell colleges how to limit criminal record and juvenile court questions in admissions. The Secretary would act through the Office of Postsecondary Education and consult the Department of Justice and community groups.
- Colleges would be urged to ask whether they really need this information for admissions. The bill pushes schools to make that decision before collecting it.
- If schools remove these questions from admissions forms, they could still ask in other settings when needed. Those questions should be narrow, tied to the specific situation, and easy to understand.
- Applicants should get a chance to explain their past if a school asks about it. They should also be able to explain why they are ready for college.
- Schools that keep these questions in admissions should wait to ask. The bill recommends waiting until after the school makes its first admissions decision.
How Modern Action helps you take action on S. 3379
You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.
Questions people ask about S. 3379
- What is S. 3379?
- Colleges would be urged to stop asking about criminal or juvenile records early in admissions. If they still ask, they would be guided to wait, explain why, protect privacy, and train staff.
- How do I support or oppose S. 3379?
- Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.
- Who should I contact about S. 3379?
- Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.
- Can Modern Action explain S. 3379 before I act?
- Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.
