[Madison]

With what little respect I have for this policy, I feel like I need to just come out and say that whatever is in my past is none of FIRST's business. I have spoken with team leaders here and they, too, are extremely annoyed by this policy. Particularly, they realize that this policy will do more to place me at risk for future discrimination and doubtful intentions than it will ever do to protect students. Without knowing the criteria they'll use in determining a mentor's eligibility -- something I believe we're entitled to know as a gesture of faith from FIRST -- I can't be sure what result my background check will have, despite having never done anything harmful or illegal (save for a speeding ticket I got in Pennsylvania a few years ago).

It seems like it's plausible that something as simple as speeding tickets, however, might be cause enough for a red flag. The solution for that may be as simple as prohibiting that individual from driving with students, but because confidentiality must be maintained and because only FIRST staff will have access to why someone's been red flagged, it seems that the only information that'll ever filter down to students and parents is that their mentor has been red-flagged -- either because they can't participate any longer, or because they can't participate in the same capacity as before. People, I believe, will assume the worst and I think that's truly a disservice to the amazing people in this organization who do great work everyday.

It's almost ironic that at kickoff last year, FIRST trumpeted a reformed gang member to the masses, showing the power this program has in changing lives, yet now they're making every effort to ensure someone's past can't be left behind. Would FIRST's screening criteria let the same person they were so proud of last year be a mentor this year? I wonder.