Fair Chance Employment levels playing field in Spokane
Christopher Poulos, the new executive director of the Washington Statewide Reentry Council, recently testified in favor of a Fair Chance Employment ordinance in Spokane. The ordinance passed by the Spokane City Council delays employer inquiry into an applicant’s criminal record until after an interview takes place, with some public safety exceptions.
“This measure gives people who have paid their debt to society a better chance at obtaining gainful employment and successfully reintegrating into our communities,” Poulos said. “By delaying the background questions, applications will not be immediately discarded upon receipt by prospective employers and employers will need a rationale to not hire an otherwise qualified candidate based solely on a past criminal record.”
Learn more about the Statewide Reentry Council. Watch video