U. of Missouri to Require Background Checks

The University of Missouri system now requires new faculty members to undergo criminal-background checks, the Associated Press reports.

The expanded policy went into effect Monday at the system’s four campuses, in Columbia, Kansas City, Rolla, and St. Louis.

Employees — part-time and temporary workers included — who are up for promotions and transfers will also be subject to background checks. Student workers are exempt.

Of course, the Missouri system has conducted background checks on all employees except faculty members for the last decade. But that’s of little comfort to some professors who fear the checks may adversely affect civil rights and academic freedom.