Just what do those who argue against security screening for University of Houston employees have to fear?
It seems only logical that an institution granting degrees that are trusted by society should want to protect its records from possible tampering. Another consideration for UH is the protection of the private records of its students for their safety.
What is so outrageous about wanting to preserve the university's integrity and confidences?
Conducting criminal background checks before granting security clearance to UH employees with access to university funds or student records is a good idea.
It should act as a preliminary measure, however, not as an automatic way to oust individuals. If there are a high number of felons and outlaws on the UH payroll, there is a problem. But, most likely, cases of sketchy backgrounds are few and far between.
Those who do come back as questionable should be dealt on a case-by-case basis, with consideration given to rehabilitation and details of the particular crime.
This only makes sense. It would be ridiculous, and potentially very expensive, for UH not to take certain preventive measures in granting promotions or hiring new employees.
The practice should be across the board, however. No one should be exempt because of position or rank.
One would hope that it is a person's honesty and integrity that have allowed them to rise to a certain level of success. Given this, what could there be to hide?
The gray-box editorials reflect the opinion of The Daily Cougar editorial board and editorial staff. All other opinions, letters, commentaries and cartoons reflect the viewpoint of the writer. Letters to the editor reflect only the opinion of the individual writers. No opinions expressed in The Daily Cougar necessarily reflect those of the University of Houston administration or the student body at large.