Editorial: Ex-felons need jobs, not policy

Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2003 | 8:59 a.m.

A former cocaine dealer who served nearly 10 years in federal prison attended a meeting of the Nevada Gaming Control Board last week and raised an important issue. The man used his time behind bars wisely -- he learned to cook. After his release, because of his background, he endured many rejections from Las Vegas hotels. Finally, he landed a chef's job at a major Strip resort. He told the board that he considers himself to be very fortunate because most Southern Nevadans with felony convictions cannot find employment within the gaming industry.

The man asked the gaming industry to set an example for other businesses by hiring more ex-felons. We hope the hotels get his message. Many ex-felons learn skills while serving their time. Many see their release from prison as a second chance -- one not to be missed. While a criminal record obviously should be a factor in hiring decisions, we'd like to see greater tolerance than currently exists. It's understandable that a person once convicted of cheating people out of money would be rejected for a job in gaming. No employer should view that same person, however, as automatically out of the running for a non-gaming job.

We are skeptical, however, of a second request the man asked of the board. He, along with the American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada, asked for a written policy that would precisely define what types of convictions render people ineligible for work cards, which entail background checks and are necessary for employment in gaming and many non-gaming positions, such as child care. Case-by-case considerations of work card applications, in our view, are superior to a one-size-fits-all policy. A written policy could be interpreted as binding, and board members could view themselves as having little discretion. This could lead to exactly what its supporters are trying to overcome -- automatic rejection of ex-felons. Better to create a climate of tolerance than an unforgiving policy.