I am reaching out to all the good people of Michigan because I believe it's time we rethink our approach to employment and criminal history. I firmly believe that everyone, regardless of their past, deserves a fair chance to earn a living and contribute to society. What motivates me even more is seeing how, at the highest levels of government, individuals with numerous legal challenges continue to thrive in their careers. If a president can move forward with 34 felonies, then surely others deserve the chance to prove themselves beyond a checkmark on an application.

"Ban the Box" is a movement aimed at removing the checkbox that asks if applicants have a criminal record from employment applications. In Michigan, our current practices can have a chilling effect on someone trying to rebuild their life. Research from the National Employment Law Project shows that blanket bans on hiring people with felony convictions are not effective and disproportionately affect minorities and low-income communities. The stigma attached to a past felony conviction shouldn't keep qualified candidates from even being considered for a job they are capable of excelling.

Removing this checkbox will give individuals the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and qualifications before any potential past convictions come into play. It encourages focus on the merits of the applicant, rather than past mistakes. According to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management, nearly one-third of U.S. adults have a criminal record, and still, 81% of those with conviction histories remain in stable employment when given the chance.

The evidence is clear: denying Michiganders the chance for employment due to prior felonies only hurts us all. It marginalizes those who wish to integrate back into society, makes it harder for them to support their families, and can lead to higher recidivism rates, which affects the entire community.

To achieve a brighter future for Michigan, we need employers to reconsider their hiring practices and remove the felon question from job applications. This change can significantly impact someone’s life chances and provide a more level playing field for all job seekers.

Join this petition to urge the Michigan State government and local employers to ban the box. Together, we can promote fair hiring practices and create a more inclusive, thriving Michigan. Please sign and share this petition to make a change for our communities!