Posted by Francois Lefebvre, CWC on April 21, 1997 at 23:53:36:
In Reply to: hiring convicted felons posted by H. Burhans on March 19, 1997 at 22:17:25:
: Hello! I teach culinary arts for a 2-year college in
: "off-campus programs"(in this case, the prison system.)
: We've placed lots of our graduates in fine restaurants
: and we generally get great feedback about our grads
: from employers who have given them a chance. If a
: student makes it through our program, they have
: demonstrated pretty clearly that they are attempting
: to "make good". When my boss places our grads,
: obviously the employer knows right off the bat that the
: guy is an ex-con. My question is: When,in the process
: of applying for employment on their own, should my guys
: reveal their status as an ex-con? I think they should
: be honest about the time they served, if asked, but
: do they need to bring it up up front? My students
: have been debating this issue. Thanks! H. Burhans
Its sad that we judge other people by a deed(s). I've seen opportunity taken away from some very talented individuals. If a person comes to my kitchen I'm concerned with their knowledge, abilities, creativity & productivity. I've witnessed the abuse and belittling of individuals by some chefs whom felt it their duty to continue the punishment started by our social/judicial system. When a persson comes to our kitchens we judge by their deeds and actions from that instant on, should we give any less to someone that would share something very personal/private.(They share why? And now that we have been entrusted with their dark secret,do we think less of them and their talents? Shame on those that betray such honesty.)We should not know, nor be told.