“Union Theological Seminary commits itself and calls upon its sister theological institutions to create highways of opportunity and welcoming communities for our formerly incarcerated brothers and sisters,” the statement continued.

The Fair Chance Higher Education Pledge, which Union Theological Seminary joined alongside other schools across the country, offers opportunities for individuals with a criminal past to more easily secure an education.

“At its heart, America is a nation of second chances,” reads the White House website for the pledge. 

“That’s why the White House is calling on businesses and higher education institutions to invest in their communities and eliminate unnecessary hiring barriers for individuals with criminal records.”

By agreeing with the White House pledge, schools — including Columbia University, New York University, Nyack College and a plethora of others — agree to examine whether criminal history questions are needed in the application process, to support professors and students who want to teach in correctional facilities and to encourage other colleges and universities to join the effort as well.

The White House’s Fair Chance Business Pledge, which is similar to the education campaign, is an effort to encourage businesses to give convicted felons a second change at success. Many of the companies and institutions that have signed onto the Fair Chair Business Pledge have also advocated for the removal of the job application question that asks people about their criminal records.

“Too often, that record disqualifies individuals from being a full participant in their communities — even if they’ve already paid their debt to society,” read a White House press release back in April. “As a result, millions of Americans have difficulty finding employment.”

As TheBlaze previously reported, some of the companies that have signed on are: Koch Industries, American Airlines, Busboys and Poets, the Coca-Cola Company, Facebook, Georgia Pacific, Google, Greyston Bakery and the Hershey Company.

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Donations
 
We are grateful for all donations this past year to our Ministries. These donations enable us to grow, reach out and serve this community for which there is far too little understanding, compassion, empathy and accurate information.  Progressive Prison Ministries, Inc. is a CT Religious Corp. with 501c3 status -

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all donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. We hope you will consider making a donation to our appeal this year.  Donations can be made by credit card/PayPal here, at the "Donate" button on on our site, prisonist.org or by sending your check payable to: "Progressive Prison Ministries, Inc." P.O. Box 1232, Weston, Connecticut 06883.  We have enclosed an addressed envelope for your use. Thank you.
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If you, a friend or a family member are experiencing a white-collar or nonviolent incarceration issue, please contact us and we will promptly send you an information package by mail, email or via Dropbox.   
The darkest days of a person's life can be a  time of renewal and hope.
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Progressive Prison Project/ Innocent Spouse & Children Project
 
Rev. Jeff Grant, JD, M Div, Minister/Director
jgrant@prisonist.org
(o) 203-769-1096
(m) 203-339-5887

Lynn Springer, Founding Advocate, Innocent Spouse & Children Project
lspringer@prisonist.org
(203) 536-5508

George Bresnan, Advocate, Ex-Pats
gbresnan@prisonist.org
(203) 609-5088

Jim Gabal, Development
jgabal@prisonist.org
(203) 858-2865

Babz Rawls Ivy, Media Contact
mediababz@gmail.com