I am a Missourian who was convicted of a felony back in 2013. This conviction, a part of my past does not define me, yet it has become a persistent obstacle in my life. I have been denied jobs multiple times, and currently face homelessness.

The question, "Have you been convicted of a felony?" is included in many job applications. While this might appear as a tool to guarantee safety and professionalism, this process often disqualifies potential employees before they have a fair chance to demonstrate their qualifications and commitment.

This isn't just about me. There are over 113,000 people in Missouri on felony probation or parole, many of whom face the same struggles and barriers to employment. As a society, we should be promoting rehabilitation and successful reintegration, not fostering environments that perpetuate a cycle of poverty and recidivism.

Requiring employers to consider applicants’ qualifications first, can lead to a fair and more inclusive job market.

Let's call for change and end this discriminatory practice. Let us promote a future where everyone, regardless of their past, is given an equal chance to contribute to the workforce and society.

Let's make Missouri an example for the rest of the nation. Please sign this petition to support eliminating the felony conviction question from job applications.