Some people laid some pretty personal stories on the Syracuse Common Council today trying to get them to eliminate the part of job applications that makes someone disclose a felony conviction. The Syracuse Anti-Discrimination and Fair Employment Act also known as Ban the Box is a step forward against employment discrimination.
Former Syracuse Police Chief Leigh Hunt says that a box checked that’s immediately dismissed has affected his own family.
“I’ve got two sons who have experienced this, they were sentenced to prison 20-year-ago and every time they look for a job it’s the same kinda thing.”
He adds, from the police perspective, you want people coming out of prison to become productive, so they don’t turn right back to crime.
Another speaker trying to “Ban the Box” shared the story of someone denied a job because of a prior conviction.
“ Because the person did so well in the interview, he set the bar so high that CCA found another way to fit this person in. That person was me, my name is Marvin Ramos.”
Ramos is now with the Center for Community Alternatives and says he’s an example of how people can improve their lives – with a chance.
“ I am enrolled right now at Le Moyne for the MBA program. I am also doing not only a full-time job but I am also doing part-time work with people with developmental disabilities. I am a contributing member to our society right now and I am paying taxes. This makes all the sense in the world when I am paying taxes and not using up tax payer’s funds inside a prison wall.”
Councilors are considering the ban the box legislation once again to eliminate the question of prior convictions or past arrests from initial job applications. After a prospective employee is interviewed there could be a criminal background check. But supporters of the Ban the Box measure say it would at least give people a fair chance. If approved it would only apply to people working for the city or companies that are doing business with the city. Some business groups oppose this move, worrying it would later be extended to cover all city businesses.
In September, Council members withdrew the ban the box ordinance because they were uncomfortable with the language. and opposition from CenterState CEO. Common council members are expected to vote on the proposal on Monday. If passed, Syracuse would be one of the over 45 cities across the US that have successfully adopted Ban the Box, part of a national movement.
