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PDFOpen Access (License Unspecified), Open Access
Dissertation
Impact of exoneration status, race, and criminal history on hiring decisions
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
Aug 2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00011146
Abstract
Individuals reentering the community following incarceration face a large host of barriers to reentry, including employment discrimination. Research suggests that exonerees, although having been legally exonerated, still face stigma-by-association based on their time spent in prison. This study sought to determine the impact of exoneration status, race, and prior criminal history on hiring decisions. Results revealed that participants (N = 422) were both significantly more likely to hire and confident in hiring DNA exonerees than releasees or applicants who took an Alford plea. Additionally, results showed that individuals with prior criminal history were significantly less likely to be hired across all three exoneration status conditions and across both race conditions. Finally, results revealed that participants were significantly more likely to hire a Black individual with a prior criminal history than a White individual with a prior criminal history. Data on the factors influencing hiring decisions for formerly incarcerated persons can serve to improve hiring outcomes and subsequently reduce recidivism. Additionally, implications relating to use of the Alford plea in potential cases of wrongful conviction are discussed.
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Details
- Title
- Impact of exoneration status, race, and criminal history on hiring decisions
- Creators
- Kellie M. Wiltsie
- Contributors
- David S. DeMatteo (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- 82 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991022083453804721