Case Study Five

Out of Curiosity

Jacobi is an exceptional employee with nine years on the job, perfect attendance, and excellent performance reviews. Jacobi has been seeking a supervisor position for the last three years but seems to fall short each time there is an opportunity.

Jacobi thinks being passed over for a supervisory role is the result of gender identity discrimination. This is because during the latest interview for an open supervisor position, the manager asked if Jacobi was still claiming nonbinary gender status.

When Jacobi asked what that had to do with the ability to supervise, the manager said it was just out of curiosity and to never mind answering the question.

Is this something that should be reported?

The correct answer is yes

The correct answer is yes

This incident should be reported immediately. Asking a candidate about their gender identity, sexual orientation, who they are dating, their family status, or marital status, even out of curiosity, is inappropriate and unlawful. In general, interview questions for hiring and promotion should focus on the candidate’s ability to do the job and/or their performance.