“If you try to conceal it, that’s where the problem comes in,” says Perkins. “Someone is going to investigate.”
There is a growing chorus of people who feel HBCUs could do more to educate students about the consequences of minor violations of the law and how to handle them, if faced with charges. This can be done, they say, while safely navigating the muddy Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, protecting the interest of the larger “squeaky-clean” college community and the legal liability of the institutions themselves.
“I don’t think (HBCUs) have acknowledged it to be an issue,” says Smith. He says HBCUs should address issues like misdemeanors and more serious offenses “because of the historic mission of HBCUs” and family histories of many students attending the institutions. Schools need to go beyond reading the riot act at freshman orientation or sharing basic legal education in law-enforcement-related classes only.
Given the financial squeeze many schools find themselves in, Perkins says educators should try simple methods that cost no additional money, such as talking with students more often.
“Help them understand there are lessons in life beyond a book,” says Perkins, who suggests colleges educate students about life after college, background checks, legal rights and responsibilities. “That costs you five minutes. If it’s something you never mention to a person, it’s something they don’t consider. I don’t want to discourage anyone. I just want to say you won’t have as many choices.”
