Our county recently elected an individual with a felony conviction to the highest office. It begs the question: If a country can trust such an individual to lead, why can't employers trust them with a job? The current practice of background checks and inquiring about a potential employee's criminal records during job recruitment is unfair. It may block the path of redemption for those who have served their time and are striving to rebuild their lives.

According to the National Employment Law Project, an estimated 70 million U.S. adults have arrests or convictions that can appear on a routine background check. That's almost a third of all adults in America who could face employment barriers due to a past mistake.

It is time to change how we think about hiring and give everyone a fair chance to thrive and succeed. A person's conviction should not eternally limit their potential. We must restrict or eliminate background checks and questions about felony convictions in job applications. This is a critical step towards equality of opportunity and societal integration for previously convicted individuals who are willing and capable members of our workforce.

Treating a felony conviction like a life sentence without parole in the job market is unjust. Let's work to make it illegal. Sign this petition and help us advocate for fair hiring practices.