This petition is to put an end to the discriminatory practices by corporations against our brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and neighbors who were formerly incarcerated, and now can not find employment do to a mistake they've made in their past.
The truth is, crime and violence are not only a public safety issue, but also a public health issue originating from historical and systemic trauma that has gone untreated. While crime itself is a matter of economics and desperation, the fact that committing a crime is an option for some is a sickness that requires a cure. The cure is economic and educational equality.
Universities can legally require prospective students to report all criminal history, and use that information to determine eligibility. Employers also are legally permitted to conduct criminal background checks on all perspective employee's and use this information to determine eligibility for work.
Current laws do not protect New Jersey Citizen's Civil Rights. We are calling on our Congress, and Government to amend the constitution and grant formerly incarcerated individuals protection against discrimination under the Equal Opportunity Employment guidelines and the LAD & ABR laws. (LAD: New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, ABR: New Jersey Anti Bullying Bill of Rights).
Formerly incarcerated individuals who are not offered equal opportunities to employment and education are at increased risk of homelessness, drug addiction, gang affiliation, violence and crime. This doesn't just put them in danger, it puts entire communities in danger. Let's work together and send a message to our legislature that they have to protect all New Jersey Citizens Equally and stop putting our livelihoods in danger by turning a blind eye when businesses exercise these discriminatory practices!
