Title
Resolution to Remove All References to Past Felony Convictions on the City of Ann Arbor Employment Application
Memorandum
In many cases, a felony conviction is used to prevent employment. The City does not use felony convictions that way, having recognized in our existing policies that many city jobs are not incompatible with many felony convictions. But those who apply for jobs often feel turned away before they apply when they are required to assert a felony conviction. The use of the 'box' on applications inadvertently prevents employment opportunities - and can lead to difficulty finding housing, paying bills, retaining or establishing a family, and a variety of other social/economic circumstances that could result in new criminal behavior.
The goal of this resolution is to eliminate that result while retaining the ability of the Human Resources staff to adequately ensure that new employees possess the skills needed for the position while not placing them in a position where their past could cause problems. The staff will continue to conduct criminal background checks, but only for those candidates who fit the requirements for a position and are likely to be offered a job. Similar resolutions have been adopted by Washtenaw County and Ypsilanti City and Township. Superior Township is in the process of adopting a similar resolution; Pittsfield Township is also considering such an adoption.
Councilmembers Warpehoski and Briere have individually discussed this issue with WeROC and the Human Rights Commission. The resolution has been improved by contributions from Assistant City Attorney Nancy Niemela and Councilmembers Warpehoski and Eaton.
Sponsored by: Councilmembers Briere, Eaton, Warpehoski and Teall
Body
Whereas, The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission notes that an employer will be subject to liability if a criminal record screening policy or practice disproportionately screens out members of a protected classification and th...
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