The "ban the box" movement is a second chance for hundreds of applicants for employment, allowing those with criminal histories the opportunity to live up to their potential. Harris County, Texas, is the latest to apply this to government jobs. "Ban the box" is aligned with the Fair Chance policy, which was passed in a 3-2 vote by the Harris County Commissioners Court.
The "ban the box" movement is a second chance for hundreds of applicants for employment, allowing those with criminal histories the opportunity to live up to their potential. Harris County, Texas, is the latest to apply this to government jobs. "Ban the box" is aligned with the Fair Chance policy, passed in a 3-2 vote by the Harris County Commissioners Court. The Fair Chance policy seeks to amend the notorious section on many applications requiring the applicant to answer whether or not they have been convicted of a crime.
This change will allow those with criminal histories to receive a fair evaluation of their skills, preventing discrimination before the hiring process has even begun. Although applicants will still be required to pass a background check for employment for Harris County government jobs, this must now follow a conditional job offer. With some of the highest incarceration rates in the country, Texas government officials are looking for ways to prevent recidivism (the tendency for reoffending). County Attorney Christian Menefee noted the following:
"There are millions of parents throughout this country who have been caught up in the criminal justice system and who are being either unemployed, underemployed or forced out of the workforce."
The tendency for skilled workers who have criminal offenses in their past to be excluded from opportunities in careers equal to their skills only further perpetuates the stigma surrounding those with criminal histories and often prevents those workers from getting back on their feet.
Passing the Fair Chance policy for Harris County government jobs is monumental for those looking for a more equitable career application process, as it levels the playing field and focuses the scope of applications to a person's current skills instead of their past. Furthermore, it helps those with criminal histories find career paths in the Texas government that were previously closed off, expanding the workforce and creating a safer and kinder environment for those who need it most.
At Easy Expunctions, we believe in a fair chance for all. If you or someone you know has felt trapped by the current system of job applications in a circle of rejection and denial due to criminal history, choose EE for a quick, affordable, and painless record-clearing process. For the opportunity to start fresh, visit EasyExpunctions.com or call (866) 775-9983.