Legally Obtaining and Using Criminal Records, and the Impact of the EEOC and Ban the Box

Live Webinar or Recording

January 15, 2026, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Eastern

Credit: HRCI: 1.5, SHRM: 1.5, ATAHR: 1.5 (Live Only)

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has revised its enforcement guidance regarding the consideration of arrest and conviction records in employment decisions under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This critical update, along with the increasing implementation of state and local “Ban the Box” legislation, is reshaping how employers across the nation conduct criminal background checks during the hiring process.

In this informative and actionable webinar, an industry expert will walk attendees through real-world examples and strategic steps to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of the criminal justice system and how to navigate available records. The session will focus on immediate, no-cost tools and techniques that demonstrate good faith compliance with the EEOC’s guidance. Attendees will leave with a clear, practical roadmap to ensure their hiring practices are fair, legally compliant, and defensible.

• Understand longstanding court decisions and current EEOC guidance on the use of criminal records in hiring.
• Review how race and national origin discrimination issues intersect with background screening practices.
• Learn the critical distinctions between arrest and conviction records.
• Gain insight into how criminal records are maintained, accessed, and used by employers and background check firms.
• Understand the rationale behind Ban the Box initiatives and how to comply with their requirements.
• Explore disparate treatment and disparate impact under Title VII and how these concepts apply to criminal background checks.
• Break down the 2012 EEOC Guidance including key elements like “Targeted Screens” and “Individualized Assessments.”
• Learn recommended best practices for legal and fair background screening processes.

Why this webinar is a must-attend:
This session empowers HR professionals, hiring managers, and compliance officers with the knowledge and tools to make informed hiring decisions that are both legally sound and socially responsible. Stay ahead of changing regulations while protecting your organization from potential liability.

Guest Speaker: Lawrence Hilton - Fisher & Phillips LLP

Level: Basic

Format: Live Webcast

Field of Study: General

This program has been approved for credit hours through the HR Certification Institute. For more information about certification or recertification, please visit the HR Certification Institute website at www.hrci.org.

Aurora Training Advantage is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CPSM or SHRM-SCPSM. For more information about certification or recertification, please visit www.shrmcertification.org.

Aurora Training Advantage is offering continuing education points designed to recognize dedication to training and excellence in human resources.