EEOC Taking Public Comment on Issue of Reintegration of People With Criminal Records into the Workplace

On July 26, 2011, the EEOC issued an interesting press release titled “Striking the Balance Between Workplace Fairness and Workplace Safety.”  According to the release, a meeting was held at the EEOC headquarters to examine current legal standards and hiring practices, and to identify ways in which arrest records are being used by employers.  At the meeting, several individuals discussed their success with various programs designed to help those with criminal records reenter the workforce.

The most interesting aspect of the release is the discussion of the collateral consequences suffered by communities, employers, and individuals as a result of arbitrary rules.  Can you believe that some states train people while in prison for careers in barbering and cosmetology, but then bar them upon release from getting these very licenses because of their conviction records?!

The EEOC is going to be taking written comments from the public on this issue.  Those who wish to comment may mail their comments to Commission Meeting, EEOC Executive Officer, 131 M Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20507.  In the alternative, people may email comments to Commissionmeetingcomments@eeoc.gov.  All comments received will be made available to members of the Commission and to Commission staff working on the matters discussed at the meetings.  Comments will also be placed in the EEOC library for public review.

Perhaps your comments can help mold future policy!