On September 19th, the City of Newark took a major step toward leveling the playing field for all job applicants by passing the most comprehensive Ban the Box ordinance in the country. Councilmember Ron C. Rice, Jr. sponsored the ordinance, which was drafted in close consultation with the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice (“NJISJ”) Justice Alliance. Major cities, including Philadelphia and San Francisco have passed similar laws, as well as several states (Hawaii, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico and Connecticut. (read more)