Bend The Arc Fair Chance Act Endorsement Letter 9-4-15
Uploaded by
Senator Cory BookerBend The Arc Fair Chance Act Endorsement Letter 9-4-15
Uploaded by
Senator Cory BookerSeptember 4, 2015
Re: Bend the Arc Urges Support for the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act
of 2015 (Fair Chance Act)
Dear Senator/Representative:
As Director of Bend the Arc Jewish Action, the largest national Jewish social
justice organization focused exclusively on domestic policy, I write to you
about an important bill that I urge you to cosponsor, the Fair Chance to
Compete for Jobs Act of 2015 (Fair Chance Act) introduced by Senator
Cory Booker and Representative Elijah Cummings.
Almost one in three adults in the United States has a criminal record that
will show up on a routine criminal background check. Studies show that
men who reported convictions are approximately 50 percent less likely to
receive callbacks or job offers, and African-American men are 40 percent
less likely to receive interviews. For individuals who have paid their debt to
society, and are trying to turn the page on a difficult chapter in their lives,
criminal convictions pose a substantial barrier to employment.
Thankfully, jurisdictions across the country are dismantling these barriers
to employment. Not only have eighteen states and more than 100 cities and
counties have taken action to give formerly incarcerated people a fair
chance to secure employment by removing the felony conviction box check
from applications, but companies such as Walmart, Starbucks, Koch
Industries, Target, Home Depot, and Bed, Bath & Beyond have embraced
Ban the Box policies to fairly assess job applicants.
We are at a time in the Jewish calendar that focuses on taking account for
past actions and renewing our commitment to proper action. Ancient
Jewish practices and teachings require that when a person has done wrong
and has made restitution, we must accept them back into the community.
By continuing to limit the opportunity for employment long after individuals
have paid their debt to society, our society restricts the ability of people to
become contributing members of their communities. Not only is this
ongoing punishment poor public policy, it is simply wrong.
The Fair Chance Act would reduce recidivism and strengthen our
communities. I urge you support it.
Sincerely,
Hadar Susskind
Director, Bend the Arc Jewish Action
