EmployeeScreenIQ

It's not uncommon for employers to obtain background checks and criminal records on potential candidates, but many people are asking if one Ohio school has gone too far.

The University of Akron recently announced that in addition to criminal background checks, it will require all new employees to submit a DNA sample. While many colleges require employees to undergo background checks, adding DNA to the mix seems to be a first.

According to an article by Inside Higher Ed, the new rule states that all candidates selected for employment must undergo a background check and all offers will be "contingent on successful completion" of that check. In addition, applicants "may be asked to submit a DNA sample."

The rules state that all employees, including faculty members, are covered under the measure. The school's Board of Trustees adopted the new policy in August, but only recently notified faculty of the measure.

Laura Martinez Massie, University of Akron spokeswoman, said the school has not yet collected DNA and has no plans to do so, but is "merely reserving the right to do so."

"(Akron wants) a safe environment for all of its students and employees," she said. "DNA testing was included in the policy because there have been national discussions that indicate that in the future, reliance on fingerprinting will diminish and DNA for criminal identification will be the more prominent technology. (Akron wants) the flexibility to adopt the new technology if we found it necessary."

Some faculty and community members have taken exception to the new rule, and one adjunct faculty member has already quit because of it. There also is concern that the school never consulted with the American Association of University Professors before passing the new rule.

Labels: Background checks and criminal records