Ban the Box

Last year, the D.C. Council passed the Returning Citizens Public Employment Inclusion Act, which prohibits city agencies from discriminating against job applicants who have finished serving criminal sentences when hiring for most city positions. Members of the “Ban the Box” coalition continue to push to expand employment opportunities for returning citizens by expanding these protections to private employers. In January, 2011, Councilmember Barry introduced the Human Rights for Ex-Offenders Amendment Act of 2011, which would amend the DC Human Rights Act to add persons with criminal records as a class protected from employment discrimination.  The EJC facilitated coalition efforts with Councilmember Barry to strengthen the bill.  The EJC and coalition partners continue to work with Councilmember Barry and the DC Council to pass legislation preventing discrimination against ex-offenders.

To get involved, please email advocacy@dcejc.org.