Milwaukee Leaders Propose Banning People Being Forced to Check the Box for Criminal Past

Milwaukee leaders gathered at city hall on Tuesday to talk about “Ban the Box” movement.

 Alderwoman Chantia Lewis wants to make it illegal for the city to ask a job applicant about his or her criminal history.  

“Ban the box" refers to application forms that require people to check a box if they have a criminal past.

The city already has a policy not to ask about it.

Lewis would make that policy a law.

"Once someone has paid their debt to society and atoned for their indiscretions, their past should not dictate their future endeavors,” said Lewis.

Lewis said ex-offenders should at least have a chance to get in the door and demonstrate their qualifications for city employment.