The DC government prohibits discrimination in many forms, but it still allows private employers and land lords to discriminate against returning citizens with a criminal history. Because most job applications ask whether the applicant has a criminal history, even a minor crime can come with a life sentence of near-unemployability. Those who check the “yes” box often find their application in the trash. This means that DC residents who have paid their debt to society have an even harder time re-integrating into the community, finding a job to support themselves and their families, and finding long term housing.

Council member Tommy Wells will hold a hearing regarding his Fair Criminal Records Screening Act of 2014, also known as the Ban-the-Box bill, on Monday, February 10. The hearing will take place in Room 120 of the Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW. GW students will be meeting INSIDE the Foggy Bottom metro (by the farecard stands) at 9:30amto head over to the hearing. Please come out to show your support for an inclusive, more progressive bill, hear testimonies from folks in the community, and help us pack the hearing room!