As hiring coordinator for Hennessey Networking Solutions, Inc.

As hiring coordinator for Hennessey Networking Solutions, Inc., (Hennessey) Andrea Templeton knew that her position was of utmost importance to her company in terms of hiring candidates who were well-qualified, and who would best contribute to the company's overall success. On her desk was the employment application and resume of Timothy Carraway. Andrea had just finished her interview of Timothy, who was the last in a long line of interviewees who had applied for an entry-level information technology (IT) position at Hennessey. Hennessey only had one (1) opening available. During Timothy's interview, the candidate revealed that seven (7) years ago, he had been tried and convicted in federal court for selling a significant amount of cocaine. Timothy had also revealed the conviction on his employment application. Timothy went to great lengths to explain to Andrea that he sincerely regretted the indiscretions of his youth, and that he had spent the last seven (7) years of his life "paying penance," and reforming his life. After serving three (3) years in federal penitentiary, Timothy had earned his bachelor's degree in Information Technology, graduating with honors.

Timothy's interview had gone very well. In fact, Andrea felt that in terms of his personality and education, he was the best "fit" for the position. Andrea was obviously concerned about Timothy's criminal background, but she was also concerned about the young man should he not find an employment opportunity after graduating from college. Without a legitimate employment option, would Timothy revert back to his "criminal ways?