News Summary
New Orleans voters are set to cast ballots on the Fair Chance Amendment, which aims to support job opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals. Advocates emphasize the importance of eliminating discriminatory laws that hinder reintegration into society. The amendment seeks to protect those with conviction histories from unfair job and housing discrimination. With nearly one in three Americans having a criminal record, this initiative represents a significant step towards creating a more equitable environment in New Orleans.
New Orleans voters will soon cast their ballots on the Fair Chance Amendment, a proposed measure aimed at supporting job opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals during the upcoming election. This amendment seeks to protect people with conviction histories from discriminatory laws that can hinder their reintegration into society.
Advocates for the amendment, including Nziki Wiltz, a policy coordinator for VOTE (Voice of the Experienced), emphasize the importance of providing a second chance for those who have been incarcerated. Wiltz, who has personal experience with the criminal justice system and had a racketeering charge that was dismissed, highlights that the amendment would prohibit laws that “arbitrarily and unreasonably” discriminate against people with criminal records.
If approved by the electorate, the Fair Chance Amendment will make revisions to the municipal Bill of Rights, aligning it with the beliefs and aspirations of New Orleans citizens. This initiative comes as a measure to combat discrimination against individuals with criminal records, acknowledging that substantial changes may not happen immediately but will establish crucial groundwork for future reforms.
According to data from Ronald Marshall, the chief policy analyst at VOTE, nearly 1 in 3 Americans has a criminal record, with around 45 million Americans carrying misdemeanor convictions and an estimated 19 million with felony convictions. The need for reform is acute in Louisiana, which has the second-highest incarceration rate in the U.S., following Mississippi.
Employment remains a significant issue for those reentering society. Research indicates that only 40% of individuals who were formerly incarcerated were employed at any time between 2010 and 2014. Monique Blossom, from the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center, stresses the critical importance of access to employment and housing as formerly incarcerated individuals seek to reintegrate into their communities.
The amendment aims to combat the prolonged punishment faced by these individuals in both job and housing markets. Recently, the New Orleans City Council has tightened the provisions of the existing “Ban the Box” ordinance, which restricts the timing of inquiries about criminal histories by employers. This summer, the Council introduced criteria that hiring managers must evaluate prior to denying applicants based on their criminal pasts, an effort to further reduce discrimination in city employment.
The “Ban the Box” ordinance was initially implemented in 2018 and has served as a backdrop for further initiatives to alleviate the stigma associated with past convictions. The proposed Fair Chance Amendment would establish formerly incarcerated individuals as a protected class under local law, specifically in areas where state law does not intercede.
City Council President JP Morrell has expressed support for the Fair Chance Amendment, noting that while it primarily influences city employment, it does not extend to private sectors. Supporters from various community organizations, including entrepreneur Sess 4-5 and Jordan Bridges from the New Orleans Workers’ Center, are advocating for measures that promote equitable opportunities for employment.
In a related initiative, the New Orleans Workers and Community Restoration Justice (NOWCRJ) has announced plans to host a warrant clinic on September 20, aimed at assisting individuals with outstanding warrants and helping them reinstate their driving privileges. This clinic is part of a broader effort to address systemic barriers faced by formerly incarcerated people and to enhance their chances of successfully reintegrating into society.
The Fair Chance Amendment thus represents a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for formerly incarcerated individuals in New Orleans.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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New Orleans City Council Approves Amendment for Fair Hiring Practices
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New Orleans Elections: Key Amendments and Measures to Vote On
Additional Resources
- New Orleans Fair Chance Amendment 2025
- Wikipedia: Fair Chance
- Grassroots Organization Hopes for Yes Vote on Fair Chance Amendment
- Google Search: Fair Chance Amendment
- Louisiana Hazing Law College Discipline 2025
- Google Scholar: Louisiana Hazing Law
- 14th Amendment and Birthright Citizenship
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 14th Amendment
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
