CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) — Oregon State University says it will begin to require all students to self-report past felony convictions and any registered sex offender status before enrolling for fall term, but will not bar them from school activities unless they pose a safety risk.
The Corvallis Gazette-Times reported Thursday that the new policy was recommended by a task force convened last year in the wake of public outcry over revelations that a university baseball team pitcher, Luke Heimlich, had an undisclosed conviction for molesting a 6-year-old family member when he was 15.
Heimlich was allowed to remain on the team after The Oregonian/Oregonlive reported the pitcher had pleaded guilty to the crime.
Heimlich said in a university statement that he completed counseling, but was removing himself to avoid being a team distraction.