Support the Stop Credit Discrimination in Employment Act

The threat of employment discrimination is too prevalent for job seekers who are forced to have their credit history pulled in order to get hired. But right now, the New York City Council and Mayor Bill de Blasio are negotiating a bill—the Stop Credit Discrimination in Employment Act—that could protect millions of people from being burned by this practice.

After months of grassroots outcry, New York City lawmakers are on the verge of finalizing what could become the strongest bill in the country that bans employment credit checks.

Too many qualified job applicants suffer when their credit is used as a hiring filter. Privacy is invaded. Jobs are lost. Bills don’t get paid. Savings don’t grow.

People of color, who are already susceptible to other forms of employment discrimination, are especially vulnerable to the prejudices that employment credit checks may cause.

The truth is, credit reports—a tool originally developed for lenders determining who to lend to and on what terms—have no relevance for hiring or employment. No research has ever shown that reviewing job applicants’ credit history successfully produces a reliable workforce.

A recent New York Times editorial was unequivocal: “the [New York City] Council and Mayor Bill de Blasio should unite behind this worthwhile bill” to ban the discriminatory practice of employment credit checks.

As the Mayor and City Council negotiate the final content of this bill, a strong show of force is vital to ensure that it will protect all New Yorkers.

Join the effort to stand against this system of employment discrimination. Sign this petition to support the New York City Stop Credit Checks in Employment Act today!