Published:
Friday, May 10, 2013
This week, Minnesota joined the national movement to “ban the box.” Its legislature passed, with bi-partisan support, a bill that would prevent public and private employers from asking about criminal history on an initial application.
The reason behind the rule is simple: Employers reviewing multiple applicants are likely to use criminal history to screen people out automatically, even those who are fully qualified for the job. Screening applicants without even considering a person’s qualifications or rehabilitation unfairly prevents people who’ve served their time from getting a fair chance at a fresh start.
Republican Senator Roger Chamberlain, one of the bill’s sponsors, recognized that increasing job opportunities for people with criminal history makes good sense, saying, “The best thing someone [on probation or parole] can do to reintegrate into the community is get a job.” He dismissed suggestions that business leaders would oppose similar bills in other states, saying “In the end, this is not that controversial.” An official with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce agreed, saying that the Minnesota bill is part of a larger national movement.
City Council member Bruce Harrell has proposed similar legislation for jobs in Seattle. The bill has yet to be voted out of committee.
You can read more about Minnesota’s victory here.
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