In 2007, Oakland, California, eliminated questions about criminal conviction histories on city agency job applications. After extending a conditional offer for employment, Oakland runs a background check on the applicant when required by law or is necessary for the position. Thus, Oakland does not conduct background checks for every position.
The Oakland Ban the Box policy is a city hiring policy and not yet codified in the Oakland Municipal Code.
Oakland’s Ban the Box policy incorporates EEOC individualized assessment criteria. It provides a right to appeal an employment denial due to criminal history. Additionally, applicants have the right to obtain a copy of the background check utilized for the denial.
Oakland’s Ban the Box policy only applies to applicants seeking employment with the City of Oakland. The Ban the Box law does not extend to private employers.
