California Quote by Greg Boyle
“We lose our right to be surprised that California has the highest recidivism rate in the country if we refuse to hire folks who have taken responsibility for their crimes and have done their time.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: TED Talk “The Power of Redemption”, 2015
Society’s refusal to employ ex‑offenders sustains high recidivism, denying both them and the community the chance for renewal.
In simple terms: Not hiring former prisoners keeps crime cycles alive.
Hire people who have served time and taken responsibility.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- prison reentry programs
- community hiring initiatives
- policy advocacy
- mentorship schemes
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance public safety with second‑chance hiring?
- What policies could incentivize employers to hire ex‑offenders?
Hiring alone won’t solve systemic bias; broader support services are needed.