NEWS BRIEF: Atlantans with criminal history could receive protected class status
Real restorative justice
Legislation is being put fourth to the Atlanta City Council that would give people with a criminal history protections against job discrimination. If approved, they would be added to the Human Relations Commission’s mission as a protected class.
This new ordinance is being sponsored by Councilmen Matt Westmoreland and Jason Winston who were inspired after receiving many complaints from those with a criminal background, saying they have been treated unfairly in the job field. On the possible amendment to the HRC’s protected groups, Westmoreland said, “If you are seeking employment and you feel like you’ve been discriminated against because of your criminal history, then this is an opportunity for you to raise that flag.”
The ordinance states that’s that an applicant’s criminal history cannot be the end-all be-all for someone not receiving a position. While employers are allowed to consider someone’s criminal background to protect the business from claims of negligent hiring, if the HRC finds a case of discrimination, they can ask that the business’s license be revoked or prompt an investigation to see if laws were violated.
The legislation put forward would also give protected status to people regardless of their gender expression. ajc.com