After years of grassroots campaigning and activism, Georgia became the first southern state to adopt Ban the Box fair hiring policies when Gov. Nathan Deal signed an executive order Feb. 23. 9to5 Georgia members and allies have been working to implement ban the box policies across the state since 2011.
Since Ban the Box efforts began, we have seen victories in Atlanta, Fulton County, East Point, DeKalb County, and most recently on Feb. 17 in Macon/Bibb County. The executive order to Ban the Box makes our vision and efforts reality for more than 3 million Georgians with criminal backgrounds.
While first in the South, Georgia is the 14th state to implement Ban the Box. With over 1,300 people returning home unemployed from incarceration each month in Georgia this policy enables applicants to be considered primarily for their skills and qualifications and afford them the opportunity to explain their unique circumstances in person to potential employers. These policies have been proven to reduce recidivism and ensure greater public safety.
And they are game changer for 9to5 members like Latonya Barnes: “Because of Ban the Box, I will no longer need to hide my past in order to get a job interview. This policy gives me and a lot of other people the courage to apply for jobs we thought we couldn’t get because of our background. Thanks to all who support Ban the Box and believe that everyone deserves a second chance.”
We are elated by this win. We see this victory as proof when women come together and lead, our communities are made stronger and we do win! Join our winning team, become a member of 9to5 today.
