Understanding and Addressing Discrimination in Employment against Individuals with Criminal Records

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

Criminal conviction discrimination creates obstacles in the reentry process for people with criminal records and may push them towards a vicious cycle of recidivism. The contributions in this panel use sophisticated quantitative methods to analyze the trends and nature of criminal records-based discrimination. By examining disparities in hiring practices over time and across various contexts, exploring employer perceptions and reactions to criminal records, and evaluating the effectiveness of policy interventions such as rehabilitation certificates, these presentations provide valuable insights into the complexities of the issue. Collectively, the panel aims to catalyze discussions on combating systemic biases and fostering fair and equitable hiring practices.

Sub Unit

• Area VI. The Criminal Justice System / 51. Collateral Consequences of Incarceration

Individual Presentations

• Trends in Discrimination in Hiring Practices against Individuals with Criminal Records: A Meta-Analysis of Field Experiments - David Kirk, University of Pennsylvania; Marti Rovira, Universitat Pompeu Fabra; Michael Vuolo, The Ohio State University

• The Mark or Trace of a Criminal Record: A Survey Experiment of Race and Criminal Record Signaling - Sarah Lageson, Rutgers University - Newark; Robert Apel, Rutgers University - Newark

• State-Issued Stigma Remediation Certifications: An Experimental Analysis of Certificate Names, Negligence Immunity, Decisionmakers, and Perceptions - Samuel E. DeWitt, American Institutes for Research; Abby Ballou, Northeastern University; Megan Denver, Northeastern University

Discussant

• David Kirk, University of Pennsylvania