“All I need is an opportunity.”
That is what one ex-offender told me during a phone conversation a few weeks ago. The woman called the Recorder because she wanted to know where she could go to get help in her employment efforts.
Many people unfairly categorize ex-offenders. Unfortunately, when you mention “ex-offender” to some people, a stereotypical image of a young 20-something pants-sagging Black or brown man who was convicted of murder or dealing drugs comes to mind. Such stereotypes are not only false, but also discriminatory. The woman I spoke with a few weeks ago defied the ex-offender stereotype. She is in her mid-50s, and her imprisonment did not involve murder or drugs.
As she and I talked, she told me how her life’s circumstances took a turn 20 years ago when her abusive husband left her and their two small children. She described the time as bittersweet, because she was happy to no longer be subjected to verbal and physical abuse, but she was also scared because she was uneducated and her controlling husband had never allowed her to work. She eventually found a job at a retail store, but the money was not enough to cover bills and feed her children. She continued working, but one day she made the fateful decision to take $50 out of the register. She did the same thing a couple weeks later and again after that.
While she said she took the money to help with bus fare and food between paydays, she knew her actions were wrong but she was desperate … and now she understands that at the time, she was experiencing a nervous breakdown — dealing with the pressure of being the sole provider of the family while ignoring the emotional and psychological effects of more than a decade of abuse.
Eventually her employer caught her; they had known for quite awhile and documented each instance. She ended up serving 16 months for theft. Afterward, she was fortunate to begin working at a family-owned bakery. They were aware of her criminal history and still gave her a chance. She worked at the bakery for 15 years until the family business closed for good last year. Since then, this woman has been trying to obtain employment, but she says her conviction so many years ago still hinders her. She said oftentimes she can’t even get an interview because when companies learn she has been incarcerated, they omit her from consideration.
Things may soon turn around for this woman and millions like her because this week, President Obama directed federal agencies to “ban the box” regarding hiring decisions relative to ex-offenders. Obama is prohibiting government entities to ask about an individual’s criminal history on job applications. Political supporters of Obama’s move say the ultimate goal should be to institute such restrictions legislatively so “the stroke of another president’s pen can’t undo it.”
I applaud Obama’s efforts, as this is a sure way to help ease the re-entry of ex-offenders into society. The great thing about this order is it doesn’t ignore concerns of employers — it just says let’s give people a foot in the door by allowing them the opportunity to speak for themselves. Employers can still inquire about one’s criminal past — just not initially. It’s a win-win in my opinion, as some former inmates make the best employees, because they realize how few opportunities are presented to them.
With this week’s local election outcome, things also look bright for Indianapolis’ ex-offenders. With a mayor and City-County Council majority of the same political party, we should be able to get key initiatives implemented. A big portion of Mayor-elect Joe Hogsett’s campaign was addressing crime in Indianapolis. Parallel to that is the agenda of the Democratic Council led by Council President Maggie Lewis.
Everyone has talked their way into office, and now the real work begins. I am confident the issue of public safety will be a major priority and a consistent agenda item … it has to be in order to diminish the ugly distinction Indianapolis has obtained as one of the most crime-riddled cities in the country. Lewis has proved she is an effective political leader and so has Hogsett with his previous positions. I am excited for them and the other elected officials to unite in an effort to make Indianapolis an even greater city to live and work.
