Since 9/11 a social injustice is growing in momentum in that employers are refusing to hire persons with criminal records. I have found many reports concluding it is in the best interest of the country to pass legislation barring this discrimination and would like to share a few findings.
30% of Americans have a criminal record.
There are 600,000 people released from jails and prisons annually.
80% of employers do background checks, 60% said they absolutely would not, or probably would not hire someone with a criminal record despite their qualifications.
There is great interest by the federal government, states, and many municipalities to enact legislation barring this growing practice for many reasons.
Persons with criminal records find it impossible to find work despite their experience and qualifications.
These people will place an extreme burden on social service agencies.
Studies show with time on their hands and without the focus and responsibility of a job a convict is much more likely to re-offend increasing the burden on the court and prison systems.
Minorities are disporportionately arrested and convicted resulting in a disporportionate employment disadvantage and increasing the economic disadvantage of the minorities.
14 states and many municipalities have enacted legislation aimed at equalizing employment opportunity for persons with a criminal background. Washington is one state, with laws that pertain to public employment openings, but this law needs to be broadened to encompass the private sector also.
Employers are only seeing a narrow picture and the problems this practice will cause needs to be publicised.
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