QUEENS — A new workshop on the the "Ban the Box" law will help job-seekers with criminal histories understand their rights.
The Fair Chance Act, which bans employers from asking about criminal histories on initial job applications, went into effect in New York City about a year ago. But many employers continue to ask applicants about their criminal history before a conditional job offer has been made, according to the city’s Commission on Human Rights, an agency charged with fighting discrimination in New York.
The agency will hold a workshop to help educate job-seekers about the rules this Thursday in Jamaica.
“Every New Yorker deserves an opportunity to enter the workforce, move forward with their lives, and support themselves and their families,” said Carmelyn Malalis, the city's Human Rights Commissioner.
The law was named after the box often found on applications which requires candidates to disclose their criminal history.
The workshop will be held on Oct. 27 at the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, at 161-4 Jamaica Ave. from 6 to 8 p.m. It will include a presentation on the law and Q&A session.
