Do college students’ rap sheets matter to faculty and staff?

Authors

• Andrea Cantora, University of BaltimoreFollow
• Crystal Rodriguez, Bronx Community CollegeFollow
• Joel Capellan, John Jay College of Criminal JusticeFollow

Abstract

This study examines college faculty and staff attitudes toward students with criminal convictions. Electronic surveys were administered to faculty and staff at five public colleges and universities in Maryland and New York (N = 264), measuring support for inclusive campus policies across three conviction categories: non-violent, violent non-sexual, and sexual violent offenses. Support was strong for students with non-violent convictions, but declined sharply as offense severity increased. Two factors were associated with more inclusive attitudes: prior experience teaching or serving this population, and the presence of a campus support program. Both mattered, but they appeared to operate through different mechanisms. These findings have implications for how colleges and universities can build more equitable systems of access and opportunity for students with criminal convictions.

Recommended Citation

Cantora, Andrea; Rodriguez, Crystal; and Capellan, Joel (2026) "Do college students’ rap sheets matter to faculty and staff?," Journal of College Access: Vol. 11: Iss. 3, Article 5.
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jca/vol11/iss3/5