What You Can't Ask

Subject Area  Examples of Unlawful Questions
Race or Color  Are you Puerto Rican?
What is your EEO status?
Marital/Parental Status  Are you married/single/divorced?
How many children do you have?
What are the ages of your children?
Name  What is your maiden name?
Do you have a maiden name?
Residence/Financial Condition  Do you own or rent your home?
Do you have significant debt?
Sex/Sexual Orientation  Do you wish to be addressed as Mrs., Ms., or Miss?
Do you have a significant other?
Age  How old are you?
What is your date of birth?
Arrest  Have you ever been arrested?
Religion or Creed  What is your religious denomination/affiliation?
What religious holidays do you observe?
This is a Catholc/Protestant/Jewish organization.
National Origin  Is that a Spanish surname?
What is your nationality?
Where are your parents from?
What is your family background?
Citizenship  Are you a naturalized or native-born citizen?
Do you have naturalization papers?
What is your citizenship status?
Education  When did you graduate from high school?
When did you graduate from college?
Language  What is your native language?
Is English a second language?
When/how did you learn French?
Disability  Are you disabled?
Do you have a handicap?
Have you ever been treated for cancer (or other disease/illness)?
Have you ever received worker's compensation?
Organizations  To which social clubs, societies, and lodges do you belong?