IAEE rejects EEOC proposal to ban background checks

ban the use of background checks on job applicants and/or current employees. “The issue of how best to rehabilitate convicted criminals and facilitating their entry, or re-entry, into the workforce is extraordinarily complex. While there are substantial benefits to society whenever persons returning from incarceration can be successfully positioned through their employment as productive citizens, the risks associated with prohibiting full disclosure of their criminal records are so overwhelming and potentially catastrophic that we are compelled to strongly object to the Commission’s proposal,” states Hacker. Since face-to-face events are pervasive through so many businesses and organizations in the U.S., these businesses are responsible for the health, welfare and safety of their employees and their event attendees. Without a full picture and complete review of candidates, business owners are increasing their risk and liability. The EEOC’s proposal would prohibit prospective employers from making informed judgments about who may or may not be suitable candidates for employment and would potentially cause more long-term harm not only to the business itself but also exacerbate the nation’s chronically high employment rate. The EEOC will hold open the Commission meeting record for 15 days and invites audience members, as well as other members of the public, to submit written comments on any issues or matters discussed at the meeting. Public comments may be mailed to: Commission Meeting, EEOC Executive Officer 131 M Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20507 or emailed to Commissionmeetingcomments@eeoc.gov. For more information on background checks and employment screening, you can contact Mind Your Business, Inc. here.]]>