A personal plea

The president has said he wants to implement federal-level reform in the criminal justice system during his last days in office. Hearing from you can help move him to action.

President Obama: Sign an executive order prohibiting asking about an applicant's prior convictions.

Dear MoveOn member,

I'm John Legend, Grammy award-winning musician and MoveOn member, and I started a petition to President Barack Obama, which says:

I am writing to urge you to issue an executive order implementing a "Ban the Box" policy—prohibiting asking about an applicant's prior convictions—for all federal government employers and contractors. "Ban the Box" is already on the books in 19 states.

All citizens will benefit when people with past convictions are no longer shut out of jobs and can financially support their families and contribute to the economy. Though this policy has support in many states, it is critical to push for all employers to "Ban the Box." I urge you to set the tone by implementing this essential reform at the federal level. "Ban the Box" and remove unfair barriers to reentry immediately.

Currently, 19 states have passed laws or enacted policy to provide a fair chance at employment for formerly incarcerated job seekers, but it's not enough. That's why I'm working with ColorOfChange.org and MoveOn through my #FREEAMERICA campaign to move forward this important issue.

Prohibiting federal government employers from asking about an applicant's prior convictions is a direct way to address the destructive discrimination that formerly convicted job seekers face. "Ban the Box" policies still allow a criminal background check for qualified applicants later in the hiring process.

Join me in asking the president to "Ban the Box!"

An executive order would require employers to evaluate applicants with an arrest or conviction record on an individual basis. These reforms are critical to reducing the Black unemployment rate, strengthening our economy, and meeting the goal of significantly reducing recidivism and prison overcrowding over the long term.

The president has said he wants to implement federal-level reform in the criminal justice system during his last days in office. Hearing from you can help move him to action.

Click here to add your name to this petition, and then pass it along to your friends.

Thanks!

–John Legend

You're receiving this petition because we thought it might interest you. It was created on MoveOn.org, where anyone can start their own online petitions. You can start your own petition here. http://www.moveon.org/r/?r=306934&id=134117-10220574-ry9FUox&t=2

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