The Carrboro Board of Aldermen’s vote on Oct. 16 to alter the town’s job application by banning the check box for prior convictions will allow individuals to show their potential employers more than what is behind the box.
Without it, town officials will have to use background checks on those they are considering moving forward in the hiring process. This means employers must consider the context of the offense, such as the age of the applicant at the time they were convicted and the circumstances that surrounded the crime.
This allows more opportunities for individuals with previous convictions by allowing for their rehabilitation and entrance back into the community. The check box acted as a barrier to employment, deterring some applicants from entering the workforce.
People who committed minor offenses now have a chance to redeem themselves because of this change.
The prior conviction check box encouraged employers to act on assumptions and could cause them to reject the candidate out of hand.
Carrboro Mayor Mark Chilton said often ex-convicts believe their job applications are not treated fairly, and that their applications just get thrown away immediately.
Chilton said those with prior convictions applying to work for the town will be able to explain any extenuating circumstances during interviews. Offenses will still be shown through background checks.
On the other hand, removing the box could create a lengthier process.
In this case, town employers must make sure that the new job application process will be both fair and as efficient as possible at the same time.
