A CBS News Blog on Friday reported that the University of Akron will require all employees, staff, and contractors to submit DNA samples to university officials. Background checks and drug screens are common place employment practices, but never before has an employer required employees to give a DNA sample. There’s been some kickback from some staff members.
The theory behind DNA sample submissions makes sense. If there is ever a crime committed, the school can use the samples on file to eliminate potential suspects. It seems easier to collect samples before anything goes wrong, than to ask someone for a sample after a crime is committed. DNA sample submissions also act as a crime deterrent. If you knew your employer had your DNA on file, would you still commit a crime? I can see why the University wants this to happen.
However, after reading the school’s policy on the issue, it looks like they are only using the DNA samples to compare them to the federal CODIS database as part of the criminal background check. This would require the university to process each of the samples in a laboratory, instead of just keeping the swabs in a filing cabinet in case of emergency.
So, should this policy be allowed? Is it too invasive? Does it violate a person’s right to privacy? These questions are all up for debate.
School officials claim the policy violates a federal law which goes into effect on November 21st called the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA).
A university spokesperson stated that the DNA sample submission is not required. Employees are free to seek employment elsewhere.
