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Commission approves work group to study protected classes and 'ban‑the‑box' policy; advocate to participate
Summary
The commission voted to create a workshop to discuss protected classes and the county’s ban‑the‑box employment policy; members said advocate Lawrence (Orange) Brandon should be included and the motion passed without recorded opposition.
Augusta Richmond County commissioners voted Oct. 7 to create a work group to study protected classes and the county’s existing "ban‑the‑box" employment policy and to host a workshop for community input.
The motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Gilfoyle and seconded by Commissioner Tanya Barnhill Turnley. Commissioners agreed the workshop should include community advocates who have repeatedly raised the subject; several commissioners specifically named Lawrence Brandon (who spoke earlier in the meeting) and asked that he be invited to participate.
Lawrence Brandon, who spoke during the delegation portion and identified himself as representing the Justice Impact of Reformation Society Incorporated, said he has been advocating for expanded employment access and described the workshop as a step forward for people with criminal convictions seeking more employment opportunities. "We truly appreciate the work you have done to ensure that as Augusta moves forward, no one, not even persons with criminal convictions, are left behind," he said.
The motion passed and was recorded as carrying with several commissioners absent. No vote tally by name was recorded in the minutes presented at the meeting; the clerk announced the motion carried with some commissioners not present.
The workshop will be scheduled and staff will work with the administrative services committee and community advocates on logistics and invitation lists, commissioners said.
