Key Successes — Legal Justice

A Fair Chance at a Brighter Future

For too long, employers in New York often made it clear they wouldn’t hire people with criminal histories. That changed in June, 2015, when Mayor Bill de Blasio signed the Fair Chance Act. CSS is proud to have been the primary legal advocate behind this vitally important law, which prevents employment discrimination based on involvement in the criminal justice system.

Removing Barriers to Reentry

Nearly 56,000 people are currently in New York State prisons. As these individuals return home and try to provide for themselves and their families, they face steep legal barriers to employment and economic stability. CSS has pursued a variety of strategies, including litigation and grassroots advocacy, to win tangible change for people with conviction histories.