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“Ban the Box” Legislation For City Employment

October 4, 2016 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Proposed new legislation would enshrine as law the City of Milwaukee’s practice of eliminating questions about prior criminal history from applications for employment with the city, according to the measure’s sponsor, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis. The Alderwoman and co-sponsors will announce the measure at a news conference Tuesday.

 

While finding stable, family-sustaining employment is critical for ex-offenders who are seeking to reintegrate into society, Alderwoman Lewis said that the stigma of their criminal history is often difficult to overcome. She said many potential employers include questions about criminal history on the initial application for employment, and that information can be used to unlawfully discriminate against job applicants.

 

“Ex-offenders who are looking for work should at least have the chance to get in the door and demonstrate their skills, their qualifications and their dedication to reforming themselves,” Alderwoman Lewis said. “As one of the largest employers in the area, the city has a responsibility to lead by example, and has rightfully enacted policies that don’t require job applicants to check a box if they have a criminal past.”

 

Alderwoman Lewis said the legislation set to be unveiled on Tuesday would direct the city’s Department of Employee Relations to continue its “Ban the Box” policy, and to instead conduct pre-employment criminal background checks on candidates selected for appointment to positions.

 

What:       “Ban the Box” press conference

 

When:       1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 4

 

Where:     Council Anteroom, 3rd Floor of City Hall

      200 E. Wells St.

Details

Date:
October 4, 2016
Time:
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Event Category:

Venue

Council Anteroom, 3rd Floor of City Hall
200 E. Wells St.
Milwaukee, WI United States
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