Does the name Kurt Mitman ring a bell?
He's the former Econ grad student who was exposed last January for leading the kind of double life - ambitious Ivy Leaguer by day, jailed sex offender by night - that seemed more suited for HBO than for Penn's campus.
Last week Mitman, who pled guilty in 2005 to having sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old boy, was granted parole and may soon be considered for reinstatement to the University.
Students' reactions to sharing campus and taking classes with a convicted child molester will probably be less than enthusiastic. That's understandable.
But despite the knee-jerk reactions, if Mitman reapplies, the University should proudly allow him to resume his studies at Penn.
Mitman served two and a half years in prison. He has paid his dues to society and undergone rehabilitation. The State Board cited a number of reasons for Mitman's parole including acceptance of responsibility, remorse for the crime, completion of a treatment program and good behavior.
Mitman's parole came with sensible conditions (no direct contact with minors, for one), but other than these, he is free to enjoy all the benefits of life to which U.S. citizens have access.
Of course, the University wasn't aware of Mitman's criminal record when they initially admitted him (Mitman wasn't required to disclose this), and it's possible that the University will cite "character issues" if the former grad students fails if he attempts to regain acceptance.
But we hope that the University would agree that a person should not be defined by a single misguided act, even if it's disturbing and illegal.
We're disgusted by Mitman's past transgressions. And so was the judge who sentenced him.
It is not Penn's role to act as a secondary justice system. A reputation for giving second chances to those deserving of them is far more appealing.
