By Mike W . . . At our core we cherish opportunity and equality as key American values. They define us. They make us who we are. Any obstacle that inhibits opportunity and equality is not only a major barrier; it is discrimination when it limits people unnecessarily. When discrimination is a barrier to opportunity, we have a responsibility to eliminate it. We must not tolerate discrimination in any form.
One of these barriers to opportunity and equality is the sex offender registry. The registry is a double whammy to those trying to be effective citizens. One is the conviction, then on a published list outlining the offence – some that are decades old. Larry Hill, 34, of Mt. Pleasant, MI, knows this process too well. In 12 weeks’ time he applied to 62 different companies trying to get a position as a truck driver. Larry completed several months in jail, time on probation, and therapy which presented the tools needed to ensure the likelihood of re-offense is greatly reduced. None of the 62 companies have given him a second chance after seeing he was listed on the registry. “It’s hard, ya know? I’ve been clean and sober for over 5 years, and paid my debt, made my amends. You think that would count for something.”
In fact, putting people on a registry eliminates opportunity and equality in that it:
Focuses on the worst moments of people’s lives rather than the present;
Fails to account for what rehabilitation was completed;
Neglects to explain how those injured were compensated;
Lacks any accounting of what positive actions were taken post-offence;
Discounts any improvements made such as getting an education, supporting a family, participating in the community, etc.;
The only way things will change for good now and in the future, is if we start requiring the legislature to back any and all laws with empirical evidence. No more of this judicial review BS of “if it sounds right, it must be right”. Until this becomes a standard, it won’t matter what SCOTUS or any other court rules as politicians will continue doing the same crap if not to us, then to others. No other industry allows this. And we certainly shouldn’t allow it in the one place where it can effect 100% of the population.
why not pass a bill to not conduct background checks? thats a huge problem as is, a individuals situation whatever it may be (could have) been done decades back with not another single offensive charge, plus a individual may have a higher education, a family which he struggles to provide, but once a company sees the results *sorry* no need to apply.
Enough, sex offenders are unfairly targeted by unfair laws. Are you saying only sex offenders may re-offend because of mental issues? So a murderer has no mental issues? I have a friend who has done 13 years in prison from 3 different charges of felony battery, some with weapons some not, and he keeps going back for the same stuff. He is not on any registry, or any others like him and could be on your fucxxxx cruise ship, just don’t look at him sideways he will probably beat the #2 out of you. Where is the end of registries, a drug user will lie cheat steal from their own mom or children, even use violence to get their high, but you let them on a cruise……gang members…..organized crime bosses… I want a registry of aids infected people so I can feel safe, i want a registry of she’ll shocked soldiers so that I don’t get too close or so that I can block one from living next to me, what happens if they commit suicide and a stray bullet enters my home, or they get spooked by my significant other coming home late one night, she is middle eastern…..i want them on a registry
I’m glad someone is finally bringing this issue to light. The background check has been a major factor in preve ting me from getting a good job paying well. I am an electronics tech with vast experience. Since my conviction in 2001, I haven’t been able to find a job paying more than $12 an hour, until recently.
I was able to get a job as a QA manager through a staffing agency making $26 an hour!! During the hiring process, I disclosed my conviction as requested on the application and was told by the recruiter that I was good to go and got hired. Several months later I was terminated due to “a red flag” on my background check.
When I talked to the owner I was given some bs reason that they did a routine audit and they had “missed” my conviction. Unfortunately, where I live, it’s a right to work State so have no grounds for a wrongful termination suit.
What NEEDS to be done is get rid of the immediate background check, delay it for 90 days and look at the person’s performance.