Issues Under Fire: Banning the Box Only Delays Facing the Music

Issues Under Fire: Banning the Box Only Delays Facing the Music 

Although President Obama should be praised for his efforts to reform America's Criminal Justice System and provide some form of relief for those stained with a criminal record, it will take a major shift in America's willingness to forgive before any real progress can be made for ex-offenders. Because America descended into an unforgiving revenge driven consciousness decades ago, the odds of someone getting a true fresh start after breaking the law are rather rather low. America neither forgives or forgets anything anymore. 

Imagine the excitement a convict experiences as he gets closer and closer to his release date. After spending five or ten years behind bars paying back a debt to society, the soon to be ex-con can't wait to get out and return to life as a free man. Unfortunately, once convicted of a felony in America, you'll never be free again. Because once convicted of a felony in America you never finish paying that debt to society. Once convicted of a felony in America, you are damned and banned for life.

In reality, when someone is released from prison in America, they must be terrified at the prospect of facing a lifetime of being discriminated against and ostracized from the rest of society. With few job prospects if any, supporting one's self is an immediate concern. From food to shelter to clothing, everything the average citizen takes for granted is a challenge for the ex-offender. If the ex-offender has substance abuse or mental health issues, their plight is infinitely worse. Those without strong family support will falter quickly. 

From employers to landlords, everyone will have a legitimate reason for excluding the ex-con from consideration for jobs and housing. Employers want employees they can trust. They want employees that won't pose a threat. They want employees that can pass a background check. Landlords want the same. They want tenants who can pay the rent and won't cause problems. Landlords want tenants that can pass a background and a credit check too. In tough housing and job markets, employers and landlords can be choosy. And when they do, no one will blame them. 

Expecting employers, landlords or lenders can be persuaded to be more open and accepting of people who've served time in prison may be a bridge too far for a nation accustomed to locking Americans up and throwing away the key. Incarcerating more people per capita than any other industrial nation on the planet, Americans have become disposable and expendable. Concepts like redemption and rehabilitation are a thing of the past. As the saying goes, "Once a criminal, always a criminal. 

Bottom line: Only one factor will determine how America deals with its ex-offender population and that is how much it will cost. If Americans can be convinced it makes more economic sense to provide job training, drug treatment, mental health and housing assistance to the ex-offender, than one day facing them on the street begging for money or committing more crimes, perhaps there will be a shift in policy. Until then, banning the box will only delay facing the music. Podcast below!