Criminal Record Questions in the Era of “Ban the Box”: Criminal Record Questions

Mar 15, 2021

1 min read

Updated: Sep 19, 2025

There is very little consistency in how questions about criminal records are asked on job applications, or what information is requested. This audit study also found evidence, although not statistically significant, that ban the box policies may lead to increased discrimination against Black men. The authors provide a host of policy suggestions, including stronger and clearer guidance on what employers should be asking for when it comes to criminal record information.

Vuolo, M., Lageson, S., & Uggen, C. (2017). Criminal Record Questions in the Era of “Ban the Box”: Criminal Record Questions. Criminology & Public Policy, 16(1), 139–165. https://doi.org/10.1111/1745-9133.12250

Open Access Source: https://nij.ojp.gov/library/publications/criminal-record-questions-era-ban-box

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Criminal Record Questions in the Era of “Ban the Box”: Criminal Record Questions

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