Target is dropping the criminal background question from it’s job applications. It’s great that they want to give people a 2nd chance, but shouldn’t they at least know who they’re hiring? I don’t know about you, but I’d rather not someone with a violent criminal or sex offender conviction staffing the dressing rooms. Just because the question is on the application doesn’t mean that there is discrimination. But a company does need to manage it’s liability risks, and it can’t do that without complete information.
As a small business owner, I’ve hired people with a criminal past. They listed it on the application and we had an open discussion about it and the expectations of the job. Each time, they turned out to be wonderful employees. It isn’t the past as much as who they choose to be now. But an employer needs to have the full picture to make an educated decision for the safety of his other employees and patrons.
It’s just common sense if you ask me. What do you think?
You can read more about this story here.
California just made a similar move. Click here to read more about that.
And they aren’t the only ones! Several other states, counties, and cities have done something similar. See more information about the Ban the Box Movement.
Photo Credit Flicker Justin Scott Campbell
Via The Real Side Radio Show with Joe Messina 10/31/13
