The American Association of University Professors contends that Pennsylvania State University and other schools are overreacting when they order criminal background checks of applicants for faculty jobs.

But it is the AAUP that is overreacting in its fears about "grave invasions of privacy caused by such investigations" and that schools might misuse sensitive information. Schools are capable of conducting such investigations in a manner that is respectful of candidates' privacy concerns and, until proven otherwise, it has to be presumed that most schools understand the bounds within which their investigations and subsequent use of the information should remain.

Candidates unhappy about the requirement have the option of applying at schools that choose not to implement such checks.

AAUP makes a good point that criminal background checks don't always produce complete information. However, schools must be cognizant of the potential pitfalls of information gathering and become skilled in resolving questions and issues that arise, without inflicting unfair invasions of privacy on applicants.

Penn State's policy is reasonable. It states "the background check will be limited to felony convictions, convictions of other crimes involving sex offenses or misappropriation of funds, and a verification of highest degree earned."

Many businesses, industries and government agencies require background checks as part of their hiring processes. Individuals in higher education should not see themselves as being beyond such scrutiny, although each school should have the right to determine whether it will in fact conduct such investigations.

It was a former professor at Penn State who put the background-checks issue into the spotlight. Last year, the university discovered that a respected associate professor who was director of the university's Institute for Research in Training and Development was on parole for a 1965 triple murder in Texas. He left the university last summer about the time his past surfaced.

Penn State began conducting background checks two months ago.

AAUP should keep an eye on the way schools conduct their investigations and call attention to situations outside the bounds of fairness. However, the AAUP is premature in leveling criticism without evidence to support its claims.

- J.R.K.