Should employers be able to ask job seekers if they have a criminal record early on in the application process? That’s the fundamental question behind the “ban the box” movement that’s been gaining momentum in recent years. The name of the movement refers to the box that job applicants are required to check on an application if they have a criminal record.
According to the National Employment Law Project, more than 70 million Americans have an arrest or conviction record. Supporters argue that asking about criminal histories early in the application process excludes those who’ve made mistakes in their past from consideration even if they might be qualified for the job and regardless of the severity of their past offense.
Opponents of banning the box, like the National Retail Federation, say it exposes retailers to potential crime, makes it more difficult for companies to manage their own business and adds additional regulatory burdens. Earlier this month, President Barak Obama ordered federal agencies to “ban the box” in their hiring decisions. So far 19 states have adopted such legislation and more than 100 cities and counties have adopted them as well, including eight cities in Florida. State Rep. Bobby Powell, D- Riviera Beach has introduced a bill for the 2016 Florida legislative session to “ban the box,” statewide. We’ll explore the proposal and its potential impacts.
Guests:
Florida Rep. Bobby Powell, D-Riviera Beach
Steve Rouzer, Communication Manager for the Main Street Alliance
