Oklahoma Institute for Diversity in Journalism

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Laurein Drumm

‘A total demonization of women’: Formerly incarcerated women face job discrimination in Oklahoma

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By Laurein DrummBixby High School After a lack of calls back from employers and rejected applications, a formerly incarcerated woman decided to do what many with felony convictions eventually do to find employment: lie on her job application.  This resulted in her getting a job at a popular fast-food chain where she worked for nearly a year. She put in long hours to support her and her family, and even was promoted to management.  Then the company began implementing background checks and her status as a felon was revealed.  Soon there were accusations that money had gone missing and the…

Ever the new kid on the block, Alanna LaDeaux nonetheless building lasting legacies 

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By Laurein DrummBixby High School Students bustled through narrow hallways, teachers fumbled pronunciation and a young girl kept her head up above a sea of unfamiliar faces. Overcoming the self-consciousness of being the new kid is a feat that many are not able to achieve, and yet, Alanna LaDeaux has done that over 12 times. Throughout her life, in moves based on both school and family situations, LaDeaux has prevailed past taxing circumstances and built a community around her.  Along the way, she’s also tightened her grip on leadership. Navigating the cafeteria mazes and freshman year coursework were far from…

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