Wells Fargo defends background check program

Because federal law forbids insured depository institutions from hiring people with criminal histories, Wells Fargo were required to fire Ms Quesada even though she had been working at the company for five years. A Wells Fargo spokesman claimed: “We are bound by federal law that generally prohibits us from hiring or continuing the employment of any person who we know has a criminal record involving dishonesty or breach of trust.” This is where a difficulty becomes obvious – should such legislation be black and white, or is there a gray area where individuals ought to be entitled to some discretion? “I think there’s more important things in life than something that I did 40 years ago,” Quesada said. “I did do the crime and, you know, I had just come out of high school. Maybe the banks will change the way they do these things and give people consideration for their life. I think I should get it back because it’s something I did 40 years ago. I paid for it. I’ve changed my life.” Do you think that firing Ms Quesada was the right thing to do? Should these types of situations be judged on a case-by-case basis, or should there be a blanket rule for everyone as is in place currently?]]>