Currently, many job seekers must check a box on their applications indicating whether they have a criminal history. These boxes are often used as proxies for job fitness, and job-seekers with criminal histories frequently find themselves screened out of contention. As a matter of basic fairness and also economic sense, it's time to ban the box.

The quote by Bob Casey, Jr. addresses the issue of employment discrimination against individuals with a criminal history. He explains that many job applications include a checkbox where applicants must disclose their past convictions. This checkbox often becomes a shortcut for employers to judge an applicant’s job fitness, leading to many qualified candidates being unfairly screened out solely because of their criminal records.

Casey argues that this practice is neither fair nor economically wise. By excluding people with criminal histories from job opportunities, society misses out on the potential contributions these individuals can make in the workforce. He advocates for banning the box, meaning removing the checkbox from job applications to give all candidates a fair chance based on their skills and qualifications rather than their past mistakes.

The origin of this quote lies in ongoing efforts to promote criminal justice reform and employment equity. The “ban the box” movement seeks to reduce barriers to employment for formerly incarcerated individuals, helping them reintegrate into society and reduce recidivism. Casey’s statement reflects this growing awareness of the need for fair hiring practices.

In summary, the quote calls for a change in how employers evaluate candidates by eliminating automatic disqualifications based on criminal history. It highlights the importance of fairness and economic benefit in creating a more inclusive and just job market.