Together let’s build a world of respect for everyone’s human rights and dignity!
We all win when political representatives and communities come together to make a difference in the lives of formerly incarcerated individuals living in poverty.
Last September 27, 2018 the New Orleans City Council’s Governmental Affairs Committee unanimously passed two significant ordinances, “Ban the Box” and a “living wage.” Both of these ordinances ensure fair hiring practices and better wages for formerly incarcerated people. In particular, “Ban the Box” would ban the city from conducting criminal background checks before conducting interviews for job applications. This ban would also apply to businesses with city contracts.
Step Up Louisiana, a non-profit organization working toward economic, education, and racial justice for all alongside other non-profit organizations, brought forth powerful testimonies showcasing the suffering of formerly incarcerated individuals who endure injustices when applying for jobs. Many, in fact, were declined after checking the box, “Have you been incarcerated?” on a job application.
JD, a father of three and a member of ATD Fourth World, explained, “You get in jail for a little thing, like trespassing, or drinking, or fighting and they [the judge, the police] keep you in jail for one, two months, one year or more because you are poor and you cannot afford to pay your bail bond. That messes up your entire life! You cannot get a job; you cannot get a house; you cannot build your family. You can’t move forward! You are trapped in a cage.”
After two hours of poignant testimonies from the public, these two ordinances, introduced by committee chairwoman Councilwoman Kristin Gisleson Palmer, passed unanimously. A big wave of joy, happiness, and hope embraced the audience who felt very relieved. We all applauded. It had been a continuous fight to have these ordinances passed.
On both sides we felt a sense of pride!
“ … I’ve looked at the numbers, and within a year of being released 17.4 percent of offenders return to prison. Within five years, that number more than doubles to 46 percent. Our job as City leaders is not to impose yet another barrier for these individuals. We need to enable them to create a better life for themselves and their families,” said Councilmember Palmer.i
An elderly member of the community paid tribute to the city council members for their efforts. He said, “We are so proud of you for passing these ordinances. It would change the lives of lots of incarcerated people in this city. You are doing a good job! We will support you. We are proud of you. But we are watching you!”
Members of ATD Fourth World living in persistent poverty and often affected by mass incarceration will be able to breathe and hope to live a normal life when they apply for a job, without always needing to check the box and be ashamed of their past.
When there is a willingness to reform the system that hindered the human rights of formerly incarcerated poor individuals, changes can occur. This is what it looks like to work together to build a world of respect for everyone’s human rights and dignity.
