Eugene Campaign
More than 630,000 people are released from state and federal prisons every year in the U.S., and hundreds of thousands more leave local jails. The transition back to the community is far from welcoming for most returning prisoners. Formerly incarcerated people are stigmatized and stereotyped, and face a range of laws and policies that undermine their ability to become active and productive citizens.
The City of Eugene has a chance to remove a signficant barrier for qualified job applicants with felony convictions.
The City’s initial job application asks people to check a box if they have ever had a felony conviction. Although some people’s criminal records may be relevant to particular hiring decisions, asking people about their conviction history on the initial application creates an unnecessary barrier likely to lead to blanket discrimination early in the process.
The city should adopt a non-discriminatory policy that allows job applicants to be seriously considered based on their experience and qualifications and allows people to discuss the relevance of any criminal history at a more appropriate time in the hiring process.
Everybody Deserves a Fair Chance!
Support the Think Outside the Box Campaign in Eugene:
Contact Eugene's City Manager. If you live in Lane County, please take a moment and contact Eugene City Manager John Ruiz .
Attend our Eugene Action Team meetings. This is an opportunity for members to gather for the latest news about reform efforts in Oregon and to strategize for collective action. Check our calendar for the next Action Team meeting.
