KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — City commissioners in Kalamazoo have approved a “fair chance” ordinance that will “ban the box” from the job applications of firms that do more than $25,000 business with the city.
The “box” in question is the one that asks the applicant if they have a criminal record. It will affect companies that sign future contracts with the city, receive tax breaks or take out a development loan from the city of Kalamazoo.
Michigan United has been lobbying for the change since last fall. Commissioner Erin Knott urged the group backing the proposal to continue the struggle in neighboring communities.
Companies will still be permitted to consider an applicant’s criminal record, just further along in the hiring process.
