On October 7-8, 2024, the Corporate Coalition of Chicago, the Harris School of Public Policy, and NORC at the University of Chicago hosted the National Fair Chance Hiring Conference, bringing together a diverse group of employers, policymakers, researchers, and justice-impacted individuals to explore ways to expand employment opportunities for individuals with criminal records.

The conference focused on four key areas:

1. Shifting Public Perceptions – Understanding and addressing societal stigma around hiring individuals with records.
2. Employer Practices – Identifying successful strategies for fair hiring and retention.
3. Job Readiness – Enhancing education and certification programs for justice-impacted individuals.
4. Policy and Legal Frameworks – Evaluating and improving policies that support fair hiring.

More than 180 attendees from across the U.S. participated in keynote presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions designed to spark new research and policy solutions. The event succeeded in generating ten research ideas that address various barriers to employment and propose actionable steps for change.

One major theme of the conference was changing employer perceptions. Many businesses hesitate to hire individuals with records due to concerns about reliability and risk, despite growing evidence that fair chance hiring benefits both employees and employers. Studies presented at the conference showed that employees with records often exhibit strong loyalty, lower turnover rates, and high performance in the workplace.

Another key discussion focused on policy efficacy, including the impact of "Ban the Box" laws, tax incentives, and employer certification programs designed to encourage more inclusive hiring practices. Attendees also explored postsecondary prison education programs, employer training initiatives, and strategies for overcoming common hiring biases.

Beyond generating research ideas, the conference facilitated meaningful connections between stakeholders. Justice-impacted individuals were actively involved in every aspect of the event, ensuring that their perspectives and lived experiences shaped the discussions.

For a deeper dive into the insights and research ideas from the conference, read the full report here.

By catalyzing research, fostering collaboration, and pushing for policy innovation, the 2024 National Fair Chance Hiring Conference marked an important step forward in building a more inclusive job market. With continued momentum, the hope is that these ideas will translate into real-world impact, expanding opportunities for individuals with records and strengthening the workforce.