Everyone is entitled to respect, equality, fairness, and dignity under the law. Yet systems of justice so often discriminate, over-criminalize, and trap the most vulnerable people in destructive cycles of punishment and poverty. The Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ) is an award-winning international nonprofit that works with companies to champion solutions that promote public safety, deliver justice, and strengthen communities.

Our Work.

Reforming
Justice Systems.

We help businesses use their leverage to move critical criminal justice reform initiatives in partnership with local leaders.

Restoring Communities.

We work with businesses to ensure systemic change is translated into real-life impact for justice-involved individuals.

Reframing
Narratives.

We build and entrench the narrative that fair and equal systems of justice are good for business.

News & Updates.

In the Media

PRESS RELEASE: Advocates Applaud Legislature and Governor DeWine for Reducing Debt-Related Driver’s License Suspensions with Passage of HB 29

“Thanks to the leadership of the legislature, advocates, and Governor DeWine, House Bill 29 removes these unnecessary barriers to employment and hiring — a significant win for business and communities,” said RBIJ CEO Maha Jweied.

PRESS RELEASE: Death Row Commutations in North Carolina Draw Support from Business Leaders

“By commuting 15 death sentences, Gov. Cooper has signaled that good governance and fiscal prudence remain top priorities for North Carolina – and this will go far with the business community,” said RBIJ CEO Maha Jweied.

Joe Biden commutes sentences of 37 out of 40 federal death row inmates

The Guardian: The clemency action applies to all federal death row inmates except three convicted of terrorism or hate-motivated mass murder.

RBIJ Announces Policy Recommendations to the Trump-Vance Administration

As President-elect Donald J. Trump prepares to assume office in the new year, we hope his administration will consider the many opportunities that exist to advance greater fairness and justice across the country in partnership with the business community.

RBIJ’s Ken Oliver: 'The biggest misconception of people with convictions is they are untrustworthy’

People Management: The stigma surrounding hiring individuals with criminal records often feels insurmountable, but Ken Oliver, a member of the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ), believes the root lies in misunderstanding.

Delaware Equitable Hiring Initiative pilot program seeks 'hidden workforce' in Wilmington

Delaware Business Now: The Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ) and JPMorgan Chase have launched the Delaware Equitable Hiring Initiative, a multi-year pilot project to help to tap into overlooked talent in underserved communities.

Richard Branson, business leaders renew call to end ‘inhumane’ death penalty ahead of scheduled executions

MarketWatch: ‘The death penalty is the ultimate injustice: It’s inhumane, it’s irreversible and it’s riddled with errors,’ Virgin Galactic founder says.

Maha Jweied: Businesses must lead on second chance hiring

Axios 1 big thing: CEO Maha Jweied discusses how businesses can advance second chance hiring and how RBIJ assists employers in their inclusive hiring journeys.

Ohio bill would make it easier to seal non-violent criminal records, but advocates want it expanded

Ohio Capital Journal: A pair of Ohio Republican lawmakers are trying to make it easier to get non-violent criminal records sealed to help formerly incarcerated Ohioans get hired, but advocates say that’s not enough.

Illinois led on bail reform — and it’s working

Daily Herald: Pete Leonard, found of I Have a Bean, commends Illinois for becoming the first state to ban cash bail under the Pretrial Fairness Act and encourages other businesses to advocate for common sense policy reform in their communities.

Recruiting ‘opportunity youth’ offers HR the chance to fill skills gaps

HR Brew: This often untapped talent pool may offer HR the opportunity to fill open positions with eager and driven young talent.

Embracing second chances is a win-win for Georgians and businesses

Atlanta Journal-Constitution: A labor shortage offers a unique opportunity for employers and the formerly incarcerated.

Occupational licensing reform will expand Colorado’s workforce

Colorado Newsline: Professional restrictions prevent nearly 2 million people from entering the workforce.

I’m a Missouri business owner. I support a Clean Slate.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The bills that pass through our state’s legislature will have a huge impact on Missourians across the state — and on my business.

People with criminal records deserve clear path to clean slate

Boston Globe: Massachusetts is lagging and should join other states that have enacted “clean slate” automated record-sealing laws.

Canadian firm under fire for supplying equipment for Alabama execution

The Guardian: A Canadian company is facing criticism for allegedly supplying the equipment for a state execution in the United States, in a case that has drawn outrage for the reliance on a seemingly untested method of execution.

Our Impact.

RBIJ has worked with more than 600 companies to create a justice system that works for everyone and provides people with the fair chances they deserve. RBIJ has supported legislative and executive reform efforts in about half the US states and the UK, across nearly a dozen policy areas. Our inclusive hiring efforts include the award-winning first chance hiring program Unlock Potential and second chance hiring programming now operating in six states.

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