Purcell was 16 when he shot and killed a convenience store clerk in 1984. He was convicted of first degree murder and robbery, served 20 years and earned his high school equivalency diploma and college credits while in prison. He was released from custody in September and will be on parole until 2014.
"This is looking at someone who committed a heinous crime 20 years ago and now has his life back on track," Brandeis said.
The School of Social Work policy at issue gives the faculty discretion to bar applicants if their criminal history makes them unfit for social work. The school is supposed to consider the number and recentness of any convictions. Last year, an interview committee recommended that Purcell be accepted. But when his name came up in December, the full faculty split 6-4 in rejecting him.
Purcell has been between jobs recently but is about to start a new one as a salesman of kitchen knives and other products
Well, I know I certainly don't want to buy a knife from this guy...
1 posted on
07/13/2005 8:35:14 AM PDT by
summer
To: Born Conservative
2 posted on
07/13/2005 8:36:42 AM PDT by
summer
To: summer
I lived in Alaska for 30 years. Purcell is a well known name up there.
3 posted on
07/13/2005 8:39:35 AM PDT by
commonasdirt
(Reading DU so you won't hafta)
To: summer
"Just-released prisoners often are discriminated against"
As well they should be. They served their time, but that does not mean they ever have to be trusted.
6 posted on
07/13/2005 8:54:24 AM PDT by
commonasdirt
(Reading DU so you won't hafta)
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