Punishment shouldn’t last a lifetime. DeSoto, Texas, acknowledges a person’s right to a second chance with the enaction of a “Ban the Box” policy that prevents city employers with over 15 employees from asking about an applicant’s criminal history. Not only will the policy reduce discrimination in the workforce, but it would allow employers to focus qualifications on talent rather than an individual’s personal life away from work.
The policy does carry some exemptions, including nonprofits, governmental organizations, and state agencies. However, one step in the right direction has the potential to encourage other cities to follow in their footsteps, offering a new perspective that lights the path toward fairness and forgiveness. DeSoto Mayor Rachel Proctor defends the policy in a recent press release:
“There are many who have paid their debts to society who can’t secure a decent job because stating that they have a criminal record on a job application almost immediately eliminates them from consideration.”
By keeping a person from contributing to society after they’ve suffered the consequences, we are teaching a terrible lesson to the following generation, one that promotes continual suffering and rejects forgiveness. After all, criminal punishments exist to rehabilitate individuals for the sake of a better life for them, as well as their communities. Prolonged consequences will only minimize the talent pool and add to the cycle of incarceration, poverty, and even homelessness. Council member Candice Quarles also addresses this during the release:
“Removing this barrier to employment will allow those who have paid their debt to society to become contributing members of society once again. We shouldn’t punish them for a lifetime for their worst mistake. DeSoto will be safer because of it.”
You are not defined by your worst mistake. If your criminal record keeps you from pursuing your life of choice, contact the friendly experts at Easy Expunctions for a seamless and affordable record-clearing process. Give us a call at (866) 775-9983 or visit our website at EasyExpunctions.com to learn more.