Area Official Supports Background Checks for On-Campus Housing

KILGORE — Before a student is accepted into on-campus housing in Texas, he or she could be required to undergo a criminal background check, thanks to a bill now headed to the full Senate for a vote. It’s something that has the support of Edward Williams, student life director with Kilgore College. “If a person were to live in Section 8 housing, or any government housing project, whether a small or a large project, they would have to undergo a background check, using the DPS secure site,” says Williams. “The only way that folks have access to that is if Texas Legislature grants permission for them to do so.” Williams says if KC had had access to the DPS secure site, it would have prevented $40,000 in damage caused by a student who had disorderly conduct and assault charges pending.