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Supporters Came Out in Support of a Proposed Ordinance to 'Ban the Box' in Rochester

Supporters filled City Council Chambers at the forum to discuss legislation to 'Ban the Box' in Rochester.
Jim Day
Supporters filled City Council Chambers at the forum to discuss legislation to 'Ban the Box' in Rochester.

Rochester City Council Chambers was full of residents in support of a proposed city ordinance Tuesday.  If passed it would remove the question of criminal history from applications for employment.

Many city residents, who spoke in favor of the legislation, sponsored by Councilmember Adam McFadden, had histories of criminal convictions, but said that shouldn’t prevent them from moving forward to become employed and provide for their families.

McFadden estimates about a fourth of the Rochester population would have to “check the box” on a job application indicating a past conviction.  A movement to ‘Ban the Box’ has resulted in nearly 60 similar laws being past in cities and counties across the country. McFadden wishes Rochester had passed this legislation sooner.

“We should not be the 58th or 59th city addressing this,” said McFadden.  “We should have been the first!”

Barbara Campbell was in the minority of attendees who opposed the ordinance. She expressed frustration with what she considers a watering –down of the consequences of crime.

“It's one thing after another, after another, after another, they've already violated someone else's rights when they were arrested, when they were convicted, and now they're going to violate more rights, the business owner's rights,” said Campbell. “When is it going to stop?!”

Supporters of the proposed ordinance say it would actually support employer in staying in compliance with state and federal laws that make it illegal to refuse to hire an individual based solely on a conviction.

The ordinance is on the agenda for the next City Council Meeting, schedule for May 20th.