Obama has been introducing several new ideas about prison reform during his last years as president. Many prisoners are being released in America this month, after serving part of their time for drug-related offenses. Most people released from jail have an extremely hard time finding work and reintegrating themselves into society. Most employers don't even look at job applications submitted by someone convicted of a felony. To combat this, Obama proposes it be made illegal for employers to ask if someone has been charged with a felony in job applications.
Employment discrimination against people with a criminal record has been illegal since 1964 under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, but this obviously isn't being enforced. The first time a law similar to this was passed was in 1868 under the lesser known part of the 14th Amendment. It prohibits felony disenfranchisement, which is not allowing a felon to vote. This is still a problem today (despite it being illegal in the Constitution). I think a law similar to Obama's is necessary to combat the massive amount of unemployment that will follow the release of so many people from prisons
http://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2015/11/02/obama-prison-reform-acosta-dnt-tsr.cnn/video/playlists/top-news-videos/
This is a great plan to help to inmates be better integrated back into society.
ReplyDeleteGreat connection back to the amendments! This is a great plan that will surely help a lot of unemployed people.
ReplyDeleteGreat connection back to the amendments! This is a great plan that will surely help a lot of unemployed people.
ReplyDeleteI think this plan is definitely worth a try. Our prison system is in dire need of reform and this will at least be a step in the right direction. I am not entirely sure how well this plan will pan out due to the fact that some who come out of jail are still dangerous, but I think that it will really help those who want and deserve to have a second chance at a normal life.
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