Criminal justice reformers, as well as, employers in Ohio- in order to be effective and fair to all segments of the population- must recognize that felony conviction carries an unfair and irrational stigma. Ohio should re-examine its policies on records sealing and professional licensure denials to insure that the intended consequences are warranted. While many laws are indeed needed to protect the population from unscrupulous employees and professionals- current laws unfairly punish Ohio's citizen's especially in light of the most recent data on recidivism rates. Could we possibly forgive a felon after five, 10, or 20 years of clean living? Should we punish mothers and fathers who may have been convicted of only minor crimes for the rest of their lives? Many people who have been convicted of felonies in minor isolated incidents or those who have been successfully rehabilitated are now faced with a lifetime of job discrimination.
With the new correction reforms currently making their way through Ohio’s legislature, more convicted felons will be expected to find employment in spite of holding a criminal record. New legislation is an effective way to combat employer hesitancy in hiring and employment discrimination; will return discretion to seal or not seal records to Ohio’s judges; will open the doors of vocational and university education and will reduce the burden Ohio’s taxpayers face when providing for the housing, medical care and feeding of felons and their children. Most of all, new legislation will reduce the stigma attached to felony conviction and help put people to work when they most desperately need it. New legislation brings Ohioans new hope for the future.
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