#USA #New York #Center for Employment Opportunities #More Than a Background #criminal records

CEO's Ambitious Campaign Aims to Break Barriers for Justice-Impacted Individuals

On January 21, 2026, the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) unveiled its game-changing campaign titled "More Than a Background." Focused on removing systemic barriers that hinder individuals with criminal records from gaining meaningful employment, this initiative marks an essential step towards fostering economic independence for justice-impacted people across several states, including Michigan, Colorado, New York, Ohio, and Oklahoma.

Simone Price, CEO’s Director of Organizing, articulated the core vision behind the campaign: “When people are given a fair chance to work, families stabilize, employers gain reliable workers, and communities grow stronger. Opportunity means that everyone who is working hard to rebuild after release deserves a chance to participate in society.” This profound assertion encapsulates the campaign’s mission to drive legislative reforms that facilitate access to identification, job opportunities, and essential resources.

Campaign Objectives and Key Policies

The 2026 initiative builds on the groundwork laid by the original campaign launched in April 2024, which primarily sought to raise awareness about the overreliance on background checks in hiring processes. The new campaign unites a coalition of partners and advocates, focused on championing crucial policies, which include:

• - Colorado's Reentry Readiness Act: This legislation will close loopholes that allow agencies to unnecessarily delay or deny access to identification documents.
• - Michigan's Prisoner ID Package: Aimed at streamlining the process of replacing state IDs and vital documents for individuals exiting incarceration.
• - New York's Dept. of Corrections Proof of ID Bill: This bill intends to dismantle excessive documentation requirements that currently create barriers to obtaining identification.
• - U.S. Prisons Release Card ID Act: This act mandates the Board of Paroles to issue identification to those released and provides guidelines for state coordination on this matter.
• - Ohio’s Ban the Box Bill: Supporting statewide legislation that prohibits private employers from asking about criminal records on initial job applications.
• - Michigan’s Expungement Opportunities: Increasing access to expungement opportunities for those seeking to clear their criminal records.
• - Oklahoma’s Fair Chance Hiring Bill: Championing measures that prevent the use of background checks during license reinstatement processes, along with other fair hiring initiatives.

The policies being promoted are informed directly by the experiences of those affected by the justice system, ensuring the campaign resonates on a grassroots level. In late 2025, CEO conducted a survey involving over 650 individuals who had previously experienced incarceration, revealing alarming statistics: 67% faced job rejections due to their criminal records, while 38% lacked vital identification upon release.

The Broader Impact of the Campaign

The implications of the campaign extend beyond mere employment opportunities; they contribute significantly to family stability and community resilience. By creating pathways for justice-impacted individuals to reintegrate into society successfully, the campaign aims to mitigate food insecurity and financial instability, fostering stronger, thriving communities.

Moreover, the “More Than a Background” campaign represents a crucial chapter in ongoing discussions about criminal justice reform and employment equity, particularly as society grapples with the long-lasting ramifications of mass incarceration. It seeks to establish a fundamental principle—that everyone deserves a second chance and the opportunity to contribute positively to society, regardless of their past.

In launching the 2026 campaign, the CEO not only takes a stand against systemic discrimination but also invites partners to join in transforming the narrative about individuals with criminal records. The hope is that, with collective efforts, the challenges associated with their reintegration into society can be addressed, leading to enhanced dignity, opportunity, and success for all.

Through this comprehensive approach, CEO’s initiative is set to shift perceptions and create lasting impact across the states involved, paving the way for more inclusive employment practices and better prospects for those rebuilding their lives after incarceration.