The University of Windsor is teaming up with a non-profit organization that studies crime and its effect on people.
The school has entered a partnership with the John Howard Society to share expertise, explore educational opportunities, and conduct research.
"At its heart, the purpose of this partnership is for the Odette School of Business to work with the John Howard Society of Ontario to improve second-chance initiatives and fair-chance opportunities for justice-involved persons," said Dr. Mitch Fields, dean of the Odette School of Business. "At Odette, we pride ourselves on creating socially responsible business and organizational leaders. This is one avenue for achieving that objective."
A memorandum of understanding cemented an already-existing relationship between the school and the non-profit. It went back to a U of W business professor, Dr. Kemi Anazodo, who had experience in employment reintegration for people who have had contact with the criminal justice system. The new partnership will allow faculty to help with research, promote program offerings, and allow more learning opportunities for students.
The John Howard Society said one in nine Canadians have a criminal record, which can be a roadblock to people who are looking for jobs, applying for credit, filling out rental applications, and so forth. The Fair Chances Coalition, made of agencies and businesses, work to find employment for those with criminal histories.