| DISCRIMINATION
MOST EMPLOYERS CONDUCT CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS AND USE THEM TO MAKE HIRING DECISIONS.
While a number of laws regulate how criminal records may be used in hiring, nothing in the law says an employer can’t ultimately refuse to hire someone on the basis of criminal record. Using criminal records as a sorting mechanism inevitably furthers disparities already present in the legal system.
I had a job with [waste management company], through [staffing agency]. It was a good job. They were con friendly. I had a great rapport with the people that worked at [the waste management company], but when their contract ended and they gave us the option to apply at the new agency, and the new agency was like, "Well no. We do a lot of work at airports. You need an FBI clearance. We cannot hire you according to our company policy."
The vignettes featured here were collected in 2024 and 2025, from people in California struggling to obtain employment. This study aims to illuminate the specific ways in which people with convictions have continued to face discrimination in the job market since the passage of the California Fair Chance Act in 2018.
AFTERLIVES OF
CONVICTION
Documentary Project
SHARE YOUR
EXPERIENCE
WHAT: A study documenting peoples
experiences with criminal record
discrimination in the job market.
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WHY: To deepen understanding of when and
how discrimination takes place and reveal the
shortcomings of existing legal protections.
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HOW: If you have been denied a job, had an
offer revoked, been kept from a promotion,
stopped from pursuing a career, or otherwise
faced an employment barrier because of a
conviction, please get in touch. Interviews will
take place via Zoom, phone, or in person, and
are private and confidential. Participants will
be compensated for their time.
Contact: Melissa Burchmlburch@umich.eduor text 734-647-9622
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