TL/DR –
The city of Ann Arbor in Michigan is set to review its job types to determine whether it can eliminate criminal background checks during some hiring processes. This follows a unanimous City Council resolution, designed to offer more equal employment opportunities to people with past convictions. The city will research fair chance hiring policies, focused on improving job prospects for the formerly incarcerated, and report back to the City Council with recommendations within 120 days.
Ann Arbor’s Strategy for Equal Employment Opportunity
Ann Arbor has taken steps towards equal job opportunities by considering the reduction of criminal background checks in some of its hiring processes. The Ann Arbor City Council unanimously passed a resolution for this review, which aims to provide fair chance employment opportunities for individuals with past convictions.
Impact of Overpolicing on Employment
Council Member Cynthia Harrison, who champions this initiative, highlighted the impact of overpolicing on community trust and its long-term effects on employment and life quality. She referred to a recent study which found an imbalance in charge requests against Black individuals by the Washtenaw County police.
Previous Steps Towards Equal Employment Opportunity
Earlier this year, the City Council made a landmark ruling that impedes contractors from inquiring about a candidate’s criminal history until a job offer has been conditionally extended. This fair chance hiring policy aligns with the city’s internal hiring practices since 2014. For context, read more about Ann Arbor’s new criminal background check law.
Next Step: Job-Specific Background Checks
Council Member Jen Eyer, a sponsor of the resolution, sees this review as the next logical step for equality in employment. Going forward, when background checks are necessary, they should be job-specific and/or comply with statutory duties.
The City’s Plan for Fair Chance Hiring
Ann Arbor will research best practices for fair chance hiring policies, focusing on aiding those who have been incarcerated. The city will report its recommendations to the City Council within 120 days and commit to annual reviews for adherence to local and state employment guidelines. To read the full resolution visit here.
Additional Ann Arbor News Resources
For more local Ann Arbor news follow the local Ann Arbor news page or the Ypsilanti-area news page. Or, sign up for the free “3@3 Ann Arbor” daily newsletter.
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