U. of Akron to employees: Hand over your DNA!
October 31st, 2009
In a new expansion of the total surveillance state, the University of Akron is now reserving the right to demand DNA samples from all new employees, CBS News reports:
But the University of Akron has taken this to a surprising new level.
The Ohio school now reserves the right to require any prospective faculty, staff, or contractor to submit a DNA sample, which genetic-testing experts say makes it the first employer in the nation to take such an extreme and potentially intrusive step.
The new policy, which says a “DNA sample for purpose of a federal criminal background check” may be collected, took the campus by surprise after it was announced last week. An adjunct faculty member has resigned in protest and is contemplating a lawsuit, and the local chapter of the American Association of University Professors says that genetic testing violates a collective bargaining agreement.
It is interesting and disturbing that a university is the site for launching this first-in-the-nation attack on our liberties. Universities resemble businesses more every day.
Entry Filed under: Civil Liberties, Education, Rights and Liberties