Applications for most government jobs in Oakland County will no longer ask people to disclose criminal convictions thanks to a new ‘ban the box’ policy set to take place by the end of the month.
The Oakland Board of County Commissioners voted in early June to remove the question that asked county job applicants about their criminal history.
Similar actions were taken previously in such places as Detroit, Ferndale, Kalamazoo and Washtenaw County.
The State of Michigan had eliminated the criminal background question from state job applications last year.
Supporters say the change will open up opportunities for convicted felons who have paid their debt to society.
The ‘ban the box’ policy has been gaining momentum in recent years and has been approved in at least 35 states.