Boston University joins schools pledging not to punish student activists applying to college

Boston University has joined a growing number of colleges and universities pledging that students won’t have their admissions jeopardized if their high school penalizes them for participating in peaceful protests.

“Admission to BU will not be jeopardized should your school levy a penalty for participating in peaceful protests,” the school’s undergraduate admissions department announced in a tweet on Saturday.

Admission to BU will not be jeopardized should your school levy a penalty for participating in peaceful protests, such as the National School Walkout Day. See Dean of Admissions Kelly A. Walter’s full statement here: https://t.co/Xikz3HkClJ @BU_Tweets #StudentsStandUp

— BU Admissions (@ApplyToBU) February 23, 2018

Thousands of students across the country have protested gun laws and criticized lawmakers for inaction on gun violence after 17 students and faculty were killed at a high school in Parkland, Fla., last week. 

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Some school districts have taken disciplinary action against students who staged walkouts or left for protests during school hours, including suspensions and other punishments that could appear on school records when students apply to college.

A number of universities, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, DePaul University and the University of Connecticut, have moved to assure students that citations for activism will not be held against them in the admissions process. 

“Boston University believes that every student should expect a safe school environment in which to learn and study. We stand in support of every high school student who chooses to participate in peaceful protests … or who thoughtfully and respectfully exercise their freedom of expression,” the school’s dean of admissions said in a statement.

Boston and other universities have also cited specific peaceful protests planned in coming weeks, including the “March For Our Lives.” The march is set for next month and is organized by students of the Parkland shooting who are calling for tighter gun restrictions.