Superstore Target bans the box in their employee application process

The initiative, part of a widespread “Ban the Box” movement across the country, calls for employers to wait until a potential employee is being interviewed or has a provisional job offer before inquiring as to whether they have a criminal past. The idea is that ex-offenders will have a better chance at getting a job if they’re not eliminated at the very beginning of their job search. “It’s a big deal in the sense that people with criminal records are going to be given a better chance at employment,” said Dan Oberdorfer, an employment lawyer with the Minneapolis law firm Leonard Street and Deinard. “So earlier in the process employers will have a completely open mind.” A retailer with broad reach launching such an initiative isn’t unheard of — Wal-Mart removed the criminal history box from its applications in 2010, said spokeswoman Dianna Gee. “The removal does not eliminate the background check or drug test, but it offers those who’ve been previously incarcerated a chance to get their foot in the door,” she said. Since changes to Target’s application process were necessary in some states and cities due to recent ‘Ban the Box’ legislation, it makes sense to craft a consistent process nationwide. What do you think about this “Ban the Box” movement spreading across the country? Do you agree or disagree with removing the box from applications?]]>