Are employers allowed to ask job applicants about their national origin?

No, employers in West Virginia are not allowed to ask potential job applicants about their national origin. This is prohibited by federal employment law. Specifically, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 states that employers may not “discriminate against any individual with respect to his compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, because of such individual’s race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.” In addition, West Virginia’s Human Rights Act reinforces this policy. This law states that employers may not “discriminate against any person because of... race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, and disability.” Therefore, it is illegal for any employer in the state to ask job applicants about their national origin. In conclusion, employers in West Virginia may have to obtain certain information from potential employees in order to verify the applicant’s eligibility for a job. However, under no circumstances should these questions include an inquiry about the applicant’s national origin. Such an action would be in violation of both federal and state laws.

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