WWL-TV
NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans voters will decide on October 11 on a proposed amendment to the city’s Home Rule Charter that would add “conviction history” to the list of protected classes in the city’s Bill of Rights.
The ballot language reads:
If approved, the measure would prohibit the city or its contractors from discriminating against someone based on their criminal record.
The practical impact of the amendment is largely symbolic. Earlier this summer, the city strengthened its “ban the box” policy, requiring city agencies and contractors to ignore past convictions when considering applicants unless the conviction would prevent the applicant from performing the job. The policy does not ban background checks, and it does not apply to private businesses that do not receive city money.
Si
The Baltimore Sun
11Alive Crime
Aurora Sentinel Opinion
CNN
The List
AlterNet