What it is:

A campaign started in 2004 to dispel stereotypes created about people with a history of conviction. It called for employers to choose candidates based on skill and qualification, not on past convictions. Ban the Box advocates for the removal of the question about past convictions on job applications so that people with records have a fair chance at employment.

“Fair chance policies benefit communities, businesses, and the economy,” says Ashley Huffstetler Campbell, Director, Blanchard Community Law Clinic of Campbell University School of Law and former StepUp board chair.

Why it’s important:

Job and housing discrimination are major barriers to employment and stability. This movement aims to change that.

What now:

Now, most states have removed the check box asking applicants whether they have a criminal record. In November, North Carolina will join that list due to an executive order signed by Gov. Roy Cooper in August.

Check out this fact sheet about becoming a fair chance employer.  

Other sources: www.bantheboxcampaign.org - visit their page for more info.