One of a series
Re “Don’t Ask Just Yet – State Law”
How one is treated often depends upon where one lives.
An ex-con in Iowa may be automatically stripped of his voting rights, which only can be restored by a governor.
In Culver City and throughout the state, an ex-con applying for work may not be even asked about any convictions until it has been established that he is qualified for the position.
Last month, we reported this change in the law:
“Section 432.9 was added to Section 2 of the California Labor Code three years ago to read: (a) A state or local agency shall not ask an applicant for employment to disclose, orally or in writing, information concerning the conviction history of the applicant, including any inquiry about conviction history on any employment application, until the agency has determined the applicant meets the minimum employment qualifications, as stated in any notice issued for the position. – Assembly Bill 218, approved by Gov. Brown, Oct. 10, 2013.”
Mayor Jim Clarke is a fervent advocate of the California law, and he wants to go farther.
He believes City Hall should widen its state-mandated Don’t Ask policy.
Mr. Clarke says applicants for commission appointments should be extended the same Don’t Ask courtesy that is reserved for job-seekers.
“I questioned why we were still asking people if they ever had been arrested, had a felony or something like that,” the mayor said.
His overall reasoning is race-inspired, and is rooted in a sense of fairness.
“Not asking such a question opens up jobs to more people,” said Mr. Clarke.
“The incarceration rate for African American males between 18 and 25 is pretty high.
“Like 33 percent.
“The question has a chilling effect on an employer. What we would like to do is have the employer…
“I mean, if you are going to rehabilitate people, you have to give them an opportunity to rehabilitate their lives. And to have a meaningful work experience.”
(To be continued)
We don’t trust our city manager, but our politically minded mayor is supporting concealment of pertinent information on someone’s criminal background. I am no longer proud of the new Culver City. I want the old Culver City back – Jim Clarke is so obvious in his ambitions he doesn’t even bother to reign in his Villarigosa style politiking. He is the All About ME mayor, not someone who is representing the people who elected him and live here.
Dear Sir,
I am reminded of a time in my mid-twenties when a lesser viceroy of a South Tyrolean gemeinde declared me guilty of outlawry for certain misadventures that transpired while I was traversing the Dolomites. The charges were false, of course, fatuous really, but nevertheless, I experienced the civiliter mortuus, or civil death, firsthand. I was stripped under the law of my rights to vote, dance, own any flocking, herding, or shoaling animal, and practice my trade of cheesemaking. I tell you that I am glad that Culver City is a more enlightened place and I applaud our Mayor Clarke for ennobling both our populace and our polity.
I am, Sir, your most humble and obedient servant,
W.M.