Often times when people are finally released from prison, they're looking for a fresh start to try and improve their lives and to forget their mistakes. Although they try to do this, their criminal record sometimes hinders them from succeeding in life. While on Room for Debate, I came across this article called "Should a Jail Record Be an Employer's First Impression ?", which talks about prisoners and their struggle to succeed once released. Because of their records, most companies won't hire recently released inmates. Because of this, the Obama administration has joined the "ban the box" movement, ordering federal agencies to eliminate job applications that have people check off whether they have a criminal history or not. Although some are opposed, twenty-one states and 100 localities have agreed to this and forbid agencies from looking at a person's criminal records until other qualifications have been reviewed. Those companies who are opposed feel "blindsided" by not knowing someone's criminal record. Most companies won't hire workers with a past record because they already are predisposed against ex-cons. With the "ban the box" movement, Obama is looking to help these people succeed in life.
Although the ban the box movement may help ex-cons obtain a job, I feel as though it should still be on job applications but only filled out under certain circumstances. As an employer you have a duty to protect your current employees and hiring someone with a major felony can sometimes put your employees at risk. With that being said, if someone has committed a small crime they shouldn't be required to check the box because it isn't as substantial as a major offense. An employer should know ahead of time if they're dealing with a rapist or murderer instead of not knowing until the very end. What do you think, should the "box" be removed from job applications? Does the "box" help companies ensure their employees safety?
Although the ban the box movement may help ex-cons obtain a job, I feel as though it should still be on job applications but only filled out under certain circumstances. As an employer you have a duty to protect your current employees and hiring someone with a major felony can sometimes put your employees at risk. With that being said, if someone has committed a small crime they shouldn't be required to check the box because it isn't as substantial as a major offense. An employer should know ahead of time if they're dealing with a rapist or murderer instead of not knowing until the very end. What do you think, should the "box" be removed from job applications? Does the "box" help companies ensure their employees safety?
I agree with your idea of having to check the box only if the crime committed was a serious offense. Some people steal when they're in a bad place, and can't afford enough for themselves or their family. Their time in jail is already enough for them to regret what they've done, yet they face judgement and struggle to find a job after being released. These people who wish to start their lives with a clean slate, are bombarded with criminal stereotypes, and the belief that criminals will always be criminals haunts them as they search for a stable job. If they wouldn't have that limitation, they could have a normal life again, without having to worry if the job they applied for has a thing against anyone with a criminal record.
ReplyDeleteI think the box should be there. There seems like there is a discrimination against ex-cons but it could be warranted. People have criminal records for a reason. When said person committed the crime they knew the consequences that came along with it. But they probably did not think of the repercussions that followed their record. So yes people should have to show their criminal records when applying for a job.
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