Mpls. sponsors job outreach for ex-offenders

by Alex Forster, Minnesota Public Radio

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Minneapolis civil rights workers are reaching out to people with criminal histories this weekend.

The campaign, called Second Chance Saturdays, allows ex-offenders an opportunity to learn about their employment rights.

People at the event can also file discrimination and police misconduct complaints with the city, said Velma Korbel, director of the Minneapolis Civil Rights Department.

"There are going to be workshops and opportunities for individuals who believe their criminal history might be preventing them from getting a job to talk with people who are experts in this area," Korbel said, "to help them if possible clear some this off of their record."

Many ex-offenders are unaware of the services available to them, Korbel said. Last session, the state Legislature passed a measure known as "ban the box," which prevents companies from asking potential employees about their criminal records.

The event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Kwanzaa Community Church in north Minneapolis. Legal experts from the Council on Crime and Justice and the Criminal Justice League will be at the event as well.