I am a convicted felon striving for a second chance. Like many others, I am facing immense challenges in seeking employment because of my past. I am not alone in this struggle - there are over 70 million Americans with criminal records, which equates to almost 1 in 3 adults in the US (source: The National Employment Law Project). One major barrier for us is the discriminatory felony background checks which employers use to unfairly dismiss capable candidates.

If we didn't consider anyone with a checkered past capable of change or responsible tasks, we wouldn't have had Donald Trump, someone with several civil lawsuits and fraud accusations, leading our country. Therefore, we need to reconsider the absolute measure of felony background checks and explore alternatives.

Let's seek a world which believes in rehabilitation and doesn't perpetually punish. For people like us to have meaningful second chances, it's critical that companies stop using such one-dimensional and ultimately unfair employment screening methods. We urge decision makers to eliminate felony background checks in employment, opening doors for those trying to reintegrate into society and earn honest living. Please sign this petition if you believe in second chances and fairness.