Do ex-cons deserve a 2nd chance?
Some of them are damned if they do, damned if they don’t and caught in a catch 20-20 situation when it comes to finding employment. Yesterday afternoon while out running errands, I happened to catch about ten minutes of Al Sharpton’s show since I had not tuned in, in probably weeks. There was a guest on from the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race & Justice; I want to say it was Professor Charles J. Ogletree, Jr from the Harvard School of Law, who was talking about ex-convicts and second chances in regards to employment.
Ex-convicts deserve a second chance at trying to be productive citizens, but many who are trying to do right often run into roadblocks when it comes to finding a job. Some go on 10, 15, 20 interviews and when they have to check those boxes about ever being convicted of a crime, that once promising job opportunity often vanishes, and most employers probably never call back with this being the underlying reason.
Some of those, in my opinion who don’t deserve a second chance, and I mean terms of being allowed back into society include, but not exclusively are child rapists and pornographers, child murderers, those who criminally maime and seriously injure people, rapists, and murderers. They should never be allowed back into society. In fact, some of them should be expeditiously put to death to relieve some of the burden on taxpayers and victims who want them six deep under. Yes, it is harsh, but so are their criminal acts.
Okay. Here in Massachusetts, an article in the Boston Globe talks about CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) reform:
“The argument for CORI reform is simple: A person's criminal record should be sealed after, say, five or 10 years, depending on the crime, so that former criminals have a better shot at landing an honest job and can support themselves without returning to a life of crime.” READ MORE...
Some have criticized Gov. Deval Patrick’s CORI reform efforts, but I think it is a step in the right direction. Under his direction, the state has changed the way they use the CORI system and a person’s history can only be checked after an employer has identified them as a viable candidate for a job, and their past crimes can only be considered if it has some relation to the job duties for the position they are seeking. For instance, and person convicted for embezzling money may not be a good match for a cashier position or any money handling job.
So people do deserve a second chance. Just not everyone.
The Charles Hamilton Institute has an excellent resources page, if you or someone you know is having a hard time after prison or jail. They won’t find you a job, but may be able to steer in the right direction of justice: The Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race & Justice
0 TrackBacks
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Do ex-cons deserve a 2nd chance?.
TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.weneedtostop.com/cgi-sys/cgiwrap/graduate/managed-mt/mt-tb.cgi/948
I spent 22 1/2 years incarcerated for 1st degree murder. I was a selfish, stupid just-turned 20 year old who thought he knew everything. I made a terrible error in judgment and I paid the price for the crime. The parole board decided that I deserved a second chance.
I am currently a swing manager with a major fast food chain and am looking to advance further as I learn the ropes from several managers who kniow about my past and have chosen to give me the benefit of the doubt rather than pass judgment. I am very glad you were not the hiring manager there or I would still be looking for work after 11 back on the street.
Hey Terry,
Thanks for your response, and congrats on your many new successes, and turning your life around. How might I NOT hire you, if the whole point of the post is giving 2nd chances? Yes, if I had my way murderers would not be walking on the streets, but a parole board determined you should be released, therefore, I believe people should be allowed to work and given the chance to contribute to society ONCE released.