Vermont becomes latest state to ban the box

hiring policy that removes questions about criminal records from the first part of job applications for state employment. Agencies will continue to conduct background checks, but only after an applicant has otherwise been found qualified for the position. The policy will prevent applicants from being immediately screened out of state jobs because of a criminal conviction. The policy will not apply to law enforcement, corrections, or other sensitive positions. A number of states, including Virginia, Georgia, and Nebraska, as well as the District of Columbia, have taken similar actions to combat hiring discrimination against workers with criminal records. “This is about giving those who have paid their debt to society a fair chance at a good job,” Gov. Shumlin said. “Nobody wins when Vermonters are trapped in a cycle of unemployment and re-incarceration.” The National Employment Law Project estimates 70 million American adults have arrests or convictions in their past that can make it difficult for them to obtain employment. Another study by the same group indicates that more than 100 cities and counties, in addition to sixteen states, have now adopted Ban the Box policies. Major cities include: Atlanta, GA; Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; New York, NY; San Francisco, CA; and Washington, D.C. States include: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia.]]>