“Ban the Box? Bring It!” - Guest Blog Post by Kit Foreman, Strategic Performance Solutions

The Ban the Box Campaign is picking up steam.

For those of you who may not be aware, Ban the Box refers to the check box on an employment application, “Have you ever been convicted of a crime?” Simply put, the argument against using this pre-emptive rejection tool is that it could result in disparate impact downstream, as a disproportionate percentage of those convicted of crimes are minorities. Beginning with Hawaii in 1998, thirteen states and 70 cities and counties have enacted legislation that prohibits such questioning for public and/or private sector jobs. Likewise, mega-employers Target and Wal-Mart have eliminated the practice nationwide. If your business has not yet been compelled to change, you may be soon, so you might as well get on board. 

“Additionally, small to mid-size businesses in particular risk the more direct-type employment discrimination claims as they are more likely to hire family, friends, and friends of friends (people who look like you do). By continuing to use The Box, they also run the risk of making exceptions for family and friends that you wouldn't make for a stranger applying for the same job.” - M. Nelson of Law Office of Maritza S. Nelson, LLC

Based on the reaction I have seen from my clients, the initial thought of many business owners is that this is a cataclysmic turn of events. “You mean I have to hire criminals?”

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