In light of the events that have unfolded at Penn State and Syracuse Universities, it is important to recognize the unfortunate events that occurred, but also shed light on how the scandals happened. The incident has shocked the country – Penn State University’s former football coach, Jerry Sandusky is being charged with 40 counts of sexual abuse towards minors and the university’s revered football coach, Joe Paterno was fired.
Sandusky is the pinpoint in a wide-ranging investigation that involves eight boys over a 15-year period. Similarly, Syracuse University authorities allegedly ignored sex abuse allegations in 2002 against basketball coach Bernie Fine. A former ball boy for Syracuse University, Bobby Davis, and his girlfriend at the time, claim to have gone to university police back in 2002 with child-molestation allegations. The two have decided to come forward again in response to the media spectacle at Penn State – this time, hoping they will be heard.
The allegations facing administrators at both universities are cause for any parent or school to worry especially when the trust and care of minors are involved. The reaction to these two events by parents is overwhelming – many are questioning the hiring process for the administrators, teachers, coaches and the like who spend time with children. The incidents that have occurred also highlight the lack of background checks performed on individuals who work closely with children.
In one case, a group of parents whose children participate in Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks programs are demanding the adoption of background checks for all coaches and volunteers (Read more). In another recent case, Hollywood casting assistant, Jason James Murphy has caused anxiety amongst the parents of child actors who worked under Murphy. Murphy is a convicted child molester who served five years in prison for kidnapping and molesting an 8 year old boy. Parents of child actors are especially concerned since the casting process is typically a time where a child would be unsupervised by a parent or guardian (Read more).
Had background checks including federal court criminal records searches, statewide criminal records searches and criminal history reports, been performed some of these events could have been avoided. It is important to question whether or not background checks are performed amongst those our society trusts with minors to help eliminate the chances of pedophiles and predators preying on children.
My question concerns background checks- I am being interviewed for a great job, they like me and now its time to do a background check. Unfortunalty I was arrested last year and charged with domestic violence by a jealous ex. All charges were droped by the DA when they descided the accuser was not credable(lying). The employer is based in Boston and Mass. Law says they can not ask about arrest that did not result inc convictions.But if they do how can I best handle the questions. Obviously this will make me look bad even though I was completly innocent?
This is an interesting question, and one the we are sure many candidates face day-to-day. We can only offer our opinion on this question, and our comments should not be taken as legal advice. You are accurate in your statement that employers should not be inquiring about arrest records as a basis for making an employment decision. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and many state laws prohibit such inquiries. However, if the question about your arrest record is posed, you should be honest in your response. If you believe you were falsely accused of a crime, then you may want to state that, along with the date if it was long ago. You may be surprised to know that many employers appreciate applicant honesty, integrity and only consider pertinent, job-related facts when making employment decisions. Best wishes on this job opportunity.