Ban The Box

'Ban the Box' is a movement targeting checked-box questions regarding criminal record from job applications. The goal of the programme is to end employment discrimination against people with prior convictions by delaying criminal history checks until later stages of the hiring process, like during an interview or after an applicant has accepted a conditional offer of employment. The reason for implementing Ban the Box is to give those with criminal records an equal opportunity to participate in job search without being automatically rejected because of their past involvement with the criminal justice system. Proponents of Ban the Box say they promote rehabilitation, impede recidivism and provide chances for people who want to join the labour force after having finished their sentences.

Example of Ban The Box:

For instance, a municipality might use Ban the Box policies for hiring within its government offices, which would instruct hiring managers not to query applicants' criminal pasts on the first job applications. Instead, the candidates are assessed over the basis of their qualifications, skills and experiences during the initial screening. Say a candidate makes their way to the later stages of the hiring process, i.e., interviews or background checks, then a criminal history check may be conducted, but only after deciding that the candidate is suitable for the position based on other factors. One of the main goals of Ban the Box policies is the delay of reviewing criminal records until the final stages of the hiring process, preventing the exclusion of the eligible candidates with their past mistakes only from the very beginning of the hiring process thus promoting fair and equal employment practices.