As an individual who has seen the challenging process of securing employment as a felon, I understand the detrimental impact of the question, “Have you ever been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor within X amount of time?” on job applications. The current model hampers the chances of reintegration for felons into society, and often, they are left with manual labor jobs or roles that are ill fitting for their capabilities.

In America, the prime requirements to become President is to be 35-year-old, a natural-born citizen, and have lived in the United States for the past 14 years. Ironically, this position, which commands access to nuclear weapons, is not barred to individuals with felony convictions. 

According to the National Institute of Justice, within five years of release, about 76% of released prisoners are rearrested. This revolving door of recidivism is directly linked to the lack of opportunities offered to individuals who once made errors. Fields like medicine, law, and law enforcement are outrightly blocked off, adding to the growing unemployment among former convicts. 

Therefore, we urge policymakers and corporations alike to remove the felony and misdemeanor questions from job applications, with the exception of working directly with individuals who may be considered vulnerable such as children, the elderly & disabled people. This small but significant stride lays the foundation of a more inclusive society and reduces the rate of recidivism. By offering felons a fair chance, we are reaffirming our belief in their capacity to change and grow beyond their past mistakes. Join us in calling for this change, and sign this petition today.