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Protected class? No. Something should be done though.
Someone who has paid their debt to society needs a chance at rehabilitation. It shouldn't be conviction and then that's it, all you are fit for is welfare or jobs only illegals will otherwise take. Non-violent crimes without a doubt. There should be discreshion, like pedophiles not working alone with children...but people need a chance to rebuild their lives.
It shouldn't be perpetual punishment and that's the end when people make mistakes. Not only is it cruel, but it costs all of us money in support and recidivism that won't stop because we don't want it to.
I think those with a criminal history should be a protected class against discrimination for being considered for employment. I mean, after they're released from jail, how the hell are they supposed to find work and improve their lives and become a contributing member of society if employers are going to reject them just because of a past incident? If they can't find work, then they'll have to receive unemployment insurance, which is a thing that conservatives are obsessed with looking down upon, and makes them more likely to commit crimes. So which is it? Give them a job? Or give them unemployment?
Affirmative action is needed!
Every business should be required to hire at least one felon, rapist, thief and errrr.... oh yeah, and obviously, priority should go to the dark skinned trans-gendered, one legged dwarf, with a speech impediment and wandering eye.
Someone who smokes pot once should be dumped on a deserted island? Someone who shoplifts once should be dumped on a deserted island? Someone who runs a red light (a crime in some states) should be dumped on a deserted island?
There's definitely certain offenses that keep people from certain jobs. For example, you don't want a thief handling your money. You don't want somebody who's not trustworthy filling out your reports or handling confidential information.
I think we have multiple issues when it comes to employment and finding work for people. The number of people we've labeled criminals is one issue, the number of jobs available are another.
A lot of these issues are interconnected and much more complex than 1 simple policy decision.
Protected class might be a stretch, but I think asking them about their criminal record should be illegal, except as regards crimes that directly have to do with the job under discussion.
For many jobs a persons character is important to those that are hiring and certainly someone convicted of a crime has questionable character.
Anyone who believes there is a clear cut answer to this complex problem is not giving adequate consideration to it. Personally, I don't have an answer or a position that I'm comfortable with.
The clear cut answer is don't have a criminal record. There is no possible way I could of hired someone to work for me if there was any questions about their character. I'm just not going to take the chance of ruining my business.
For many jobs a persons character is important to those that are hiring and certainly someone convicted of a crime has questionable character.
If subjectivity about a quality as vague as "character" ought to be controlling, I don't see how anyone can argue against any other form of discrimination--race, for instance.
If we are talking about common sense precautions, i.e. no embezzlers in banks, no sex offenders in day care centers, etc., that's a different matter.
I think those with a criminal history should be a protected class against discrimination for being considered for employment. I mean, after they're released from jail, how the hell are they supposed to find work and improve their lives and become a contributing member of society if employers are going to reject them just because of a past incident? If they can't find work, then they'll have to receive unemployment insurance, which is a thing that conservatives are obsessed with looking down upon, and makes them more likely to commit crimes. So which is it? Give them a job? Or give them unemployment?
Who are you, Eric Holder?
First of all we already have enough "protected classes" of people who get unfair & discriminatory hiring advantages. In some professions it actually cost people their lives (i.e. under qualified people either mentally of physically) in the EMS field.
As to adding criminals to the list, I can only assume you have never owned a business where you must hire people outside your circle of friends & family. No one wants to hire someone who is either mentally unstable, untrustworthy, violent, etc. to represent their business.
Sure a small time criminal who has not shown recidivist tendencies might be given a chance, depending on the type of business vs. their crime. However people with a track record will continue to pay for their poor choices in life.
As to them sponging off of society, it is a quandary. At bare minimum they should be made to volunteer to earn their keep, not just lay around and watch TV all day.
Someone who smokes pot once should be dumped on a deserted island? Someone who shoplifts once should be dumped on a deserted island? Someone who runs a red light (a crime in some states) should be dumped on a deserted island?
None of that will get you hard time....or, a felony in most states.
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