How can employers avoid racial discrimination in hiring and promotions?
Race or color should not be a factor or consideration in making employment decisions except in appropriate circumstances as set forth at Section 15-VI-C of the Compliance Manual section on Race and Color Discrimination. Reasons for selection decisions should be well supported and based on a person’s qualifications for the position. Also, an employer should not use selection criteria that disproportionately exclude certain racial groups unless the criteria are valid predictors of successful job performance and meet the employer’s business needs. Educational Requirements – Certain educational requirements are obviously necessary for some jobs. However, if the educational requirement exceeds what is needed to successfully perform the job and if it disproportionately excludes certain racial groups, it may violate Title VII. Arrest & Conviction Records – Using arrest or conviction records as an absolute bar to employment disproportionately excludes certain racial groups. Therefore, such rec
