On November 16, 2023, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Clean Slate Act, which allows the records of certain past criminal convictions to be sealed. The hope for this new legislation is that previously incarcerated individuals will face less discrimination and stigma, allowing them to successfully obtain employment, housing, and education. The Institute for Justice and Opportunity (I.J.O.) has been part of the efforts to remove the harmful barriers criminal records impose on formerly incarcerated individuals for as long as the Institute has been running. “It’s an effort that’s been growing for over a decade,” Maddy deLone, I.J.O. Interim Executive Director, said of the new legislation. “I.J.O. knew early and has been talking often about the terrible legacy a criminal conviction can have on people pursuing their dreams. We’re proud to have been part of a larger community and groundswell that eventually resulted in Clean Slate.”
John Jay students told their stories to public officials, explaining why a criminal record and background check hindered their progress both psychologically and logistically. I.J.O. wrote reports detailing the perpetual punishment background checks imposed on the formerly incarcerated. I.J.O. also conducted countless interviews underscoring the challenges of reintegration with a criminal conviction. “Addressing that struggle is why the Institute exists. It is what we do,” says deLone, who was at the signing of the Clean Slate Act and witnessed the emotional reaction of its many advocates. “It’s estimated that 2.3 million New Yorkers will have their records cleaned. Everyone was in tears by the time the bill was signed because we understood the enormity of what that would mean.”
On December 8, 2023, John Jay College hosted a symposium highlighting the new legislation called “Clean Slate: A Pathway to Civil and Economic Justice.” The symposium included staunch supporters New York State Senator Zellnor Myrie, New York State Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz, and I.J.O. Deputy Director Dr. Gerald Maitre. “At the Institute for Justice and Opportunity, we recognize the transformative potential of the Clean Slate Act for our dedicated student community,” said Maitre. “Our engagement with hundreds of students, who bring their unique lived experiences from across the 25 CUNY campuses and beyond, has consistently highlighted the challenges conviction records pose in pursuing their career aspirations. The enactment of the Clean Slate Act marks a significant stride toward removing these barriers. This law is a beacon of hope for many of our students, promising a clearer path to achieving their professional goals.”
One of the ways I.J.O. is further opening the doors for formerly incarcerated individuals is through occupational licensing. The Institute has been publishing its New York State License Guides to offer an easy reference for securing a license in one of the 25 high-demand fields well-matched for people with conviction records. “In light of Clean Slate, we will be updating our licensing guide to include information about additional licenses and the new law, providing training to CUNY campuses about the implications of the law, and providing students with the individual legal support they need to take full advantage of the promise it brings,” says Maitre. “Our resolve is to ensure that every individual we work with is empowered to navigate their journey confidently and is equipped with the right tools and knowledge to succeed.”
