Advocates hope Atlanta ordinance protecting the formerly incarcerated is just first step

Recently, the Atlanta City Council voted unanimously to make former incarcerated status a protected class— just like race and religion— in hiring and employment.

David Goldman / Associated Press

A recent ordinance passed by the city of Atlanta establishes formerly incarcerated people as a protected class.

The push to pass the law was led by Barred Business, an organization that supports people after they are released from incarceration.

Bridgette Simpson is the co-founder and co-director of Barred Business, and was formerly incarcerated herself for 10 years.