Aug 28, 2019, 3:15 PM
(From Inside Higher Ed) The inspector general of Florida’s university system has found the admissions policies of New College of Florida discriminated against applicants with mental health issues. The report found that the former dean of enrollment management requested admissions staff to “red flag” applicants who wrote about mental health issues for the purpose of "weeding out" such applicants. In 2018, 22 applications were screened based off mention of mental illness, of which 9 were denied — even though they met the requirements for admission. These practices violate the U.S. Education Department's published guidance for colleges on supporting students with disability.
The court also heard from students at New College, who described working in the college admissions office and being shut down when they attempted to discuss the policy with school leaders. The dean of enrollment management has since been replaced, and college officials are implementing a comprehensive review of the admissions process to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and equitably.
More at Inside Higher Ed
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