Cassie Tokach/Winonan

On Jan. 1, 2014, the “Ban the Box” law will go into effect, requiring all Minnesota businesses to update job application forms so applicants will not have to check the “yes” or “no” criminal background box.

Prior to “Ban the Box,” many job applicants who checked the criminal background box “yes” were screened by businesses prior to any formal interview and removed from the hiring process.

This box informs businesses of applicants’ criminal background without an explanation of age, time of incidence, type of criminal offense, and whether or not the crime was job related, allowing hiring departments the ability to discriminate against applicants.

Winona State senior Jake Lacey received a DUI at age twenty and said he has been discriminated against since.

“I received an interview after putting in my application and within a couple of days was informed that my interview had been cancelled,” Lacey said.

With removing the criminal box, Lacey and other students that have received misdemeanors will have equal opportunity to receive job interviews to explain themselves and their prior actions.

“My crime has affected my place in the workforce, and with this new law I will be allowed the chance to explain myself,” Lacey said. “I have been more careful with my actions because of that incident and am a different person because of it.”

Local business owner Dan English said, “I think it shows a lot about someone’s character if they can admit their mistakes in person. By removing the criminal background box, I’ll be able to see an applicant’s honesty when they make it to the interview process.”

The criminal background box and criminal sweeps can also commonly be seen as discrimination against specific racial groups and ethnicities.

“Individuals should be given equal opportunity no matter what background they have, whether it be criminal or ethnic. This ‘Ban the Box’ law will allow any applicant a fighting chance,” Lacey said.

Though the “Ban the Box” Law has passed and will be in effect this coming January, businesses may still exclude applicants with a criminal background if they are required by law to not employ an individual with a criminal history.

They may also deny an applicant if the crime was relevant to a person’s job responsibilities.

Lacy used to drive around his business’s shuttle until receiving his DUI. Driving was removed from his responsibilities since he was a liability.

“I understand where they had to draw the line,” Lacey said.

English said, “Overall, I think this new law is a good thing for applicants if they take advantage of the opportunity. They could earn a lot of trust and show a lot about their character during their explanation of their criminal history, if they have one.”

Contact Cassie at [email protected]