Approximately 40,000 people are currently in North Carolina prisons, half of whom are repeat offenders.
Ninety-five percent of these individuals will eventually leave prison, return home, and seek employment.
Formerly incarcerated individuals face hiring discrimination that keeps them from being able to provide for their families in a meaningful, productive way.
The Durham Second Chance Alliance is working to break down that barrier. The Alliance’s proposed Ban the Box ordinance for Durham will remove these questions from the application at the initial stage of the employment process so the hiring authority can first get an opportunity to learn about the candidate’s experience, skills and personality as they relate to the position to be filled.
The fight for fair hiring extends well beyond Durham. As a result of statewide pressure, the NC House passed HB 641 (Certificate of Relief), which would establish assistance for folks who have been convicted in dealing with hiring discrimination. The bill is now in the Senate.
The Durham Second Chance Alliance was started by InStepp Inc., N.C. Justice Center, Southern Coalition for Social Justice, Southside Neighborhood Association, and Action NC.
To learn more, visit the Ban the Box page and the NC Second Chance Alliance page on the NC Justice Center Website. To get involved, contact Anthony at anthony@scsj.org.
