Proponents of the bill being considered by the state of Massachusetts that would automatically seal criminal records often say that racial inequality and public bias are the fundamental justifications in favor of the program. While both are issues that hinder equitably opportunity for people of color, the solution doesn’t come from allowing wolves to hide in plain sight amongst the herd. Certain jobs, primarily those that interact with the public or give access to sensitive information, require a history of ethical behavior from the applicant. In the absence of quantifiable integrity, potential employers have an obligation to protect the vested interests of their company.

The city of Boston started a similar program known as Project Opportunity in 2020. It was an initiative to help convicted felons gain access to housing, employment, and opportunities after they’ve completed their sentences. In speaking about the launch of this pilot program, Martin Walsh (who was the Mayor at the time the project started) explained, “...no matter their past, we owe it to our residents to provide the legal services and job-training programs to achieve a better future.” While this concept is great, in theory, the potential risk that it poses to the public isn’t. No one would dispute the fact that we collectively want a better future for all people, but can that really be achieved when critical information pertaining to a person’s criminal past is hidden from potential employers or landlords?  

Unfortunately, in these circumstances, that means that convicted criminals would need to seek employment elsewhere. In an environment where there are jobs available for those who choose to work, applicants shouldn’t be allowed to omit the truth to potential employers in an attempt to land a job. Every state in the US has provisions for sealing criminal records. Making it easier for criminals to conceal their records might do something to protect the felon - but it also makes it a lot harder to protect the public in the workplace. 

The argument that people of color are often met with bias from potential employers is entirely unrelated to the subject of criminal records. Working to bridge the gap between communities, combating racial profiling, and making steps to decriminalize drugs would be more effective long term strategies for helping make Boston great for everyone. An example of a very ineffective and misguided "solution" to that problem would be to make it easier for criminals to hide in plain sight. If the city of Boston truly wants to enact positive change to combat prejudice, they need to tackle bias and racism at its core. 

Protecting felons by making it easier for them to hide critical information that concerns public safety sets a dangerous precedent that isn’t going to age well. The community has a right to know who they are living and working with so that they can make informed decisions regarding their own personal safety. Race reform doesn’t come from helping people disguise the truth, it comes from addressing and changing the landscape that has made systemic racism such a prevalent issue in the first place.