Are employers allowed to ask job applicants about their national origin?
In Kansas, employers are not allowed to ask job applicants about their national origin. This is prohibited under state and federal laws. Generally, employers should not inquire about the race, ethnicity, or national origin of job applicants because it can expose them to legal liability. The Kansas Human Rights Commission enforces federal and state laws that protect individuals against discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. These laws also contain provisions that prohibit discrimination based on national origin. This means employers may not ask job applicants about their national origin during the hiring process. This includes questions about citizenship status, birthplace, accents, or languages spoken. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) also protects applicants from discrimination based on national origin. The EEOC’s website states that it is unlawful for employers to ask job applicants about their citizenship or national origin, unless it is related to their job duties. For example, an employer may ask a job applicant if they can speak a certain language (for example, Spanish) if it is related to the position they are applying for. It is important for employers to be aware of the laws that prohibit national origin discrimination. Employers can be held liable if they are found to be in violation. If any job applicant experiences discrimination based on national origin, they can report it to the Kansas Human Rights Commission.
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