Many individuals, who have served their time and paid their debt to society, find themselves facing a new form of punishment - discrimination. This discrimination is not only unjust but also counterproductive, as it undermines the very purpose of our criminal justice system which is rehabilitation. Over 60 percent of those leaving prison are unemployed a year later, seeking work but not finding it.

The issue at hand is personal for many of us. We see countless people rendered homeless and jobless due to background checks that refuse to look beyond past mistakes. Our nation preaches about the power of redemption and rehabilitation, yet we continue to discriminate against those who have already paid their dues.

According to a report by The National Institute of Justice, nearly 77% of released prisoners were arrested again within five years due in part to the difficulties they faced in securing employment and housing (National Institute Of Justice). These statistics are not just numbers; they represent real people struggling with real issues. Would you rather have a felon living next door, going to work, and being a productive member of society? Or living in the woods behind your local grocery store, combing the neighborhood for something valuable to steal to make it by? 

We need legislation that prevents employers and landlords from discriminating against individuals based on their criminal history unless it directly impacts the job or housing situation at hand. This will give those who have served their time a fair chance at rebuilding their lives without being haunted by past mistakes. We often tell these people to get a job, but in actuality they cannot because of this discrimination. 

It's high time we truly embrace rehabilitation over endless punishment. Let's end this cycle now! Please sign this petition if you believe in giving everyone an equal opportunity for redemption.