The White House is unveiling an executive order from President Obama instructing all federal government agencies to remove admission of a criminal history from job applications.
The proposal, described as “banning the box,” would delay an investigation into a potential employee’s criminal history until later in the process instead of the job application form.
“While most agencies already have taken this step, this action will better ensure that applicants from all segments of society, including those with prior criminal histories, receive a fair opportunity to compete for Federal employment,” noted a fact sheet released by the White House this morning.
Obama will detail his executive order later today during an event in Newark, New Jersey, which is largely a symbolic effort to convince United States employers to follow suit. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) will also attend the event.
Other reforms include up to $8 million in educational grants to help former inmates rejoin society with employment and job training as well as $8.7 million in government grants to address homelessness for criminals re-entering society.
Obama’s emphasis on assisting criminals who want to re-enter society are part of his continuing agenda items from his “My Brother’s Keeper Task Force” an initiative he wants to continue long after he leaves office in 2017.
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