Oxymoron

I was listening to BBC radio 4 today, and I caught a conversation that said that certain US companies - particularly biotech - were asking interview candidates how they voted in the previous election. I was horrified! Does anyone know how widespread this is? Is there a legitimate reason for it that I can't see? If you refused to say, do you have any legal comeback?

VonEvilstein

Every step the US takes towards fascism upsets me. However, rarely does it surprise me these days.

In other words, this would not surprise me in the least.

Stephen T-B

I only half heard the item and didn't gather whether it referred only to government-appointed scientists.
("Why don't they say: 'Mind your own business,'?" I thought.)

Corwin

Regardless of who's being interviewed, that's VERY illegal.

Of course you're pretty much over a barrel at that point.

Mageth

Regardless of who's being interviewed, that's VERY illegal.

The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), as amended, prohibits federal employees who have authority to take, direct others to take, recommend or approve any personnel action from discriminating against applicants and employees on the bases of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status or political affiliation. This does not apply to non-federal entities.

Executive Order 13087 also prohibits federal job discrimination based on political affiliation.

Obviously, there's some leeway in these requirements; otherwise, for example, the president couldn't consider political affiliation when selecting his or her staff!

There's no federal law I know of prohibiting other non-federal entities from discrimination based on political affiliation. There may be state or municipal laws that do, however.

Whatever, it's unethical and inappropriate to ask such questions, IMO.

beausoleil

How would they know if you lied?

Oxymoron

Perhaps: when on your first day, you burn the place down shouting "Republicans against scientists playing God!"?