Boxed Out: Criminal Records & The "Ban the Box" Movement in Philadelphia

Penn Program on Documentaries and the Law presents "Boxed Out: Criminal Records & The "Ban the Box" Movement in Philadelphia"
In 2011, Philadelphia passed a "Ban the Box" ordinance that bars employers from inquiring about the criminal histories or doing background checks of job applicants until after the initial interview. The video describes the problems addressed by the ordinance and other state and federal laws that prohibit employment discrimination against formerly convicted persons who find it difficult to support their families and contribute to their communities without a job. The video responds to the concerns employers raise about "Ban the Box" by offering the views of executives whose organizations have experience with hiring the formerly convicted.

[@SquirrelDarling1]

If someone hasn't had a problem with the law in the past five years for a non-violent crime, remove it from their record. Do that at least.

[@thomasburgess4757]

They have a way around "the box", employers are doing background checks before they hire a person, and once the employer sees something in the background they throw you under the bus, its happen to me 4 times already.

[@jmarc8098]

Part of the problem now is that there are so many applicants chasing so few positions, companies can afford to weed people out of employment for the most trivial of reasons. If criminal history is out, then personal attire at the interview would be the criteria.

[@Gearsturfs]

interesting point, I've seen that documentary. Although you seem to think that if background checks were allowed criminals would get jobs over others. Criminals have less social skills and would have to work there way out of their bad habits to impress their employers. While those already having social skills would not need to do so and would get the job anyway. This way only those with qualified social skills who proved it would get the job.. regardless of past.

[@Gearsturfs]

define an adult. And also what the hell makes you think repeat offenders only do it because they like to commit crimes. Maybe they need to feed their families. There aren't any jobs in the ghetto... And there aren't any jobs for felons... The hell is someone supposed to do? You should have some sympathy for other human beings. Businesses have been employing felons for years but all of a sudden it's a big deal simply because we can tell who is and isn't now...

[@criminology222]

Go Angus!

[@tweeze2700]

ban that fuckin box in California for the love of god please

[@help-save-banah4340]

Thank you for all your efforts and collaboration in finding real solutions to public safety and recidivism with proper leadership and guidance. I served a 6 years prison term in a Federal Corrections Facility and now help others under our mission driven company, Banah now under difficult financial stress... www.gofundme.com/help-save-banah We need to fill the gap on the lack of resources to support #2ndChance. There are not only limited programs supporting these efforts but also the public needs education on the importance and proper role that requires collaboration to the success of all Second Chance efforts. Keep up the good work!

[@mendingwall3823]

Perhaps we should think about the victims those criminals impact instead of playing them the world's smallest violin

[@mrtwister9002]

Oh right, and people that have committed a crime should never be allowed to move on?
You do realize that denying those people employment, you are denying them food, housing and _increasing recidivism._ Do you want those people to be rehabilitated or perpetually punished for the rest of their life. What do you think those people will _do_ if they can't get a job. You honestly don't think they will return to crime? If you think they should be punished perpetually then you are just a spiteful person with logic fueled by your own ignorance and emotion.
People like you are part of the problem.