Washington, D.C., is expected to join four states and several cities soon in prohibiting companies from asking job applicants — up front — if they have a criminal record.
It's part of a growing movement called Ban the Box, a reference to that box on a job application form that asks, "Have you ever been convicted of a crime?"
Advocates for the laws say having to check the box prevents many ex-offenders from getting a fair shot at a job.
Chearie Phelps-El says it happened to her.