Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

1-1-2026

Document Type

Dissertation - NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice

Department

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice

Advisor

Grace Telesco

Keywords

Ban-the-Box; Black Americans; economic outcomes; programs; reentry

Abstract

This study examines the economic outcomes of criminal justice reform policies for Black Americans with justice system involvement. Policies such as Ban-the-Box, expungement laws, and reentry programs are intended to reduce barriers to employment, housing, and economic stability. However, research disaggregated by race remains limited, creating uncertainty about whether these reforms adequately address systemic disparities experienced by Black individuals. Grounded in Critical Race Theory and the Theory of Cumulative Disadvantage, this study quantitatively evaluates the effectiveness of reform strategies in disrupting racialized economic disadvantages. It specifically assesses measurable indicators such as employment status, income levels, housing stability, and access to supportive services among Black individuals impacted by these policies. The significance of this research lies in its race conscious approach to policy evaluation. By centering the economic outcomes for Black individuals, the study addresses a major gap in the literature and provides actionable, data driven insights for equitable reform design. Policymakers and community advocates can utilize these findings to develop targeted and effective strategies promoting sustainable economic reintegration. Ultimately, this research contributes to the broader goal of racial and economic justice by determining whether reform policies effectively challenge or unintentionally reinforce structural inequalities. The findings aim to guide future reforms that not only reduce incarceration rates but also systematically dismantle longstanding economic barriers faced by justice involved Black Americans.

Download
To access this thesis/dissertation you must have a valid nova.edu OR mynsu.nova.edu email address and create an account for NSUWorks.

Free My Thesis

If you are the author of this work and would like to grant permission to make it openly accessible to all, please click the Free My Thesis button.

  Contact Author

Share

COinS