Kalamazoo Commissioners Approve “Fair Chance” Measure

Businesses that work with the City of Kalamazoo will now have to prove that they don’t discriminate against people with criminal records, under a new policy.

City Commissioners approved the measure unanimously Monday night, which would require businesses who contract with, or receive tax breaks from, the City of Kalamazoo to refrain from asking about criminal history on a job application.  A business would have to prove that they have done so, and that they don’t unlawfully discriminate against people based on criminal history.

Criminal history could still be discussed, just not on the initial forms.

The proposal was backed by Fair Chance for All, a division of Michigan United.