‘Ban the box’ on federal job applications

President Obama told federal agencies to “ban the box,” or stop asking about criminal histories on job applications.

I think banning the box is a good idea, but there has to be some exceptions.

@FioritoPatrick That order in all aspects goes counter to sane, reasonable thinking.

@MurrayMaza It is a perfect first step in changing perceptions and making opportunities to leave behind past life choices for better ones.

@Lonches_Locus I don’t think “banning the box” is such a bad idea (“Obama tells federal agencies to ‘ban the box’ on federal job applications,” USATODAY.com, Nov. 2). What supporters want is for an employer not to eliminate an application because someone checked a box saying he has a criminal conviction. He might otherwise have a stellar résumé, and it would be a shame to deny him a chance.

Mitch Fortier

This order will delay asking about criminal records until later in the hiring process and will waste time. We will end up waiting until applicants make it to the final interview before rejecting them.

George Floater

Criminal records should be a factor in hiring. However, the time period when the crimes occurred is relevant. If it’s recent, and shows a pattern, an employer would be a fool to hire such an individual.

Wayne McGlothlin