Ban the Box

cincychick35

The ?Ban the Box? campaign calls for the elimination of the questions about past convictions on initial public employment applications. 

http://newamericamedia.org/2012/08/ban-the-box-ex-prisoners-fight-for-reentry-rights.php

What are your thoughts? 

LuckyDad

I thought past felony convictions would show up in a background check anyways?

CoffeeBeen

LuckyDad:

I thought past felony convictions would show up in a background check anyways?

Me too.  If that's the case then I think the check box is unnecessary, all it would do would scare people away from applying.  (Disclaimer: I didn't read the link though)

cincychick35

LuckyDad:

I thought past felony convictions would show up in a background check anyways?

Yes, you are right it would. However the Ban the Box Campaign allows for qualified applicant a chance to interview for the position and have a discussion about any past convictions face to face.   As it stands now if the question is asked on the initial application employers might overlook a qualified applicant simply because of his/her past conviction.

ascd

I'm all for keeping the box.

MrsGoodkat

The heartless part of me says if someone abused a child I really don't care if they can get the job or apartment they want. But I do believe in rehabilitation. I don't know, honestly. 

CoffeeBeen

I know what you're saying MrsGoodkat, but I also know a guy that has a felony for selling a relatively small amount of pot.  It's hard when such different crimes get lumped into the same category.

MrsGoodkat

CoffeeBeen:

I know what you're saying MrsGoodkat, but I also know a guy that has a felony for selling a relatively small amount of pot.  It's hard when such different crimes get lumped into the same category.

Exactly. I had a friend that had to disclose that she shoplifted when she was 16 and another with a DUI when she was in her early 20s so I know there's a big range of what people got in trouble for. I guess I can get on board with getting rid of the box and allowing for disclosure in an interview. It'd be up to the employer/landlord to do the sufficient background checks.

LuckyDad

CoffeeBeen:

I know what you're saying MrsGoodkat, but I also know a guy that has a felony for selling a relatively small amount of pot.  It's hard when such different crimes get lumped into the same category.

I believe the last job application I filled out had a line after the box to explain he conviction. In most fields a conviction in your early 20s for selling a small amount of weed wouldn't rule you out. Heck, in some sales jobs, it shows entrepreneurial spirit! But for government jobs it's a lot tougher.

RedheadBaker

Philadelphia "banned the box" earlier this year: 
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2012/01/13/ban-the-box-law-goes-into-effect-today-in-philadelphia/