Nashville Area Schools Lose Employees Due to Background Checks
When the Metro Nashville Public Schools decided to outsource its janitorial work this year they faced opposition in advance. People were worried about their health coverage and other benefits. What many of them didn’t foresee, however, was that they would be out of work for years-old convictions still on their records.
Many of them, hired before 2002, never underwent a pre-employment background check. So when the new private janitorial company told them they would have to reapply and undergo a criminal check, there were several who didn’t make the cut.
Although some of them weren’t rehired because of aggravated assault charges or indecent exposure, some only had convictions for drug possession, DUI, or fraud. All told, 9.3% of the custodial staff wouldn’t make it back to school because they failed the background test.
So, how does a nonviolent conviction that’s more than 8 years old really affect the schoolchildren? And does the current lifestyle have any redeeming factor for the men and women obviously stable enough to hold down the same job within the school system for all that time?
Currently, the district is playing catch-up, electing to do background checks on all employees who were hired prior to 2002. According to the Tennessean, this is more than 10,000 employees who must receive the test, at a cost of $48 per person on the school’s budget.
We all want the children of Tennessee to be safe. But should a drug possession or even a fraud charge from ten years ago really be enough to keep an otherwise upstanding person from mopping the halls of the school? If someone made a mistake in their past and is doing everything in their power to live according to the law, shouldn’t we give them reasonable opportunities to do so?
A criminal mistake can be made in an instant. A criminal conviction, however, can have effects that last a lifetime. Obtaining gainful employment is one hurdle that people with criminal records struggle with. Often times they are forced to work way outside of their skill level simply because people are less likely to give them a chance once they admit their record on a job application.
When you are facing criminal charges, whether they are for possession of drugs or for assault, a conviction is the last thing you want. Exploring all of the options available to you and doing whatever possible to ensure you get the best results possible in court is the job of your defense attorney.
If you’re facing criminal charges and in need of representation, contact us today.
User Comments:
I think that this is so rediculous. 1st they overlook their backrounds in the first place, then take their jobs, and then deny them their positions back all or partially for the safety of our children. Come on now! As long as it is not a sex offender and there is a time gap then i think its ok. Everybody makes a mistake and some people repeat because they can not find a job. As far as assault goes a person can say you did something and wait almost a year to press charges and there you have it guilty or not they are screwed.
Another thing some people plead guilty because they are nieve to the laws amd their rights, to get it over with not knowing the long term consequences, or because they are scared of the worse when in fact if they wait a court date or two the charge may even be dropped. It is just ignorant to me. There should be a law securing jobs either by halting out sourcing or by requiring a legit reason. Someone has to pay the new people plus unemployment and possibly government assistance. Wake up
Agreed. Almost any “zero tolerance” policy is going to come across this kinds of situations that are out of proportion and defy logic. People should be able to make reasonable judgments about employment matters relating to criminal records.
[...] reminded me of a story I covered last year regarding employees of a Tennessee school district. The employees were forced [...]