Ex-offenders continue to struggle to obtain jobs after incarceration with over half of the population not having gainful employment. Having no income has ripple effects, including not being able to secure stable housing or contribute to their family's wellbeing, which often leads them to return to engaging in criminal activity. The purpose of the study was to explore employers' beliefs and attitudes on hiring post-incarcerated offenders in the Delta Region of Mississippi. Using Heider's attribution theory as the conceptual framework, Marx's conflict and Becker's labeling theories were incorporated to assist in understanding ex-offender's challenges when attempting to re-establish their lives. Employing case study, a qualitative methodology, 7 local business owners participated in semi-structured interviews, centered on developing an understanding of the factors employers described as influencing their hiring decisions. Upon completion of interviews, the data were hand transcribed, prior to beginning the coding process and data analysis. Triangulation was the primary method used to establish the trustworthiness of the process and outcomes. Four themes emerged, including significance of charges, legal risk, prerelease programs, and work experience. Illuminating their unique perspectives can inform policy and decision makers of the barriers some business owners felt impeded their ability to offer ex-offenders jobs. The results of the study can also contribute to social change by raising awareness and informing communities, organizations, and academia of the challenges business owners face when making employment decisions regarding ex-offenders.
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