Final answer:
It is false that it is never acceptable to ask job candidates if they have a criminal record; however, there are stages in the hiring process when such questions are permissible. 'Ban the box' aims to improve the hiring prospects for ex-offenders and reduce discrimination, even though it might have unintended effects. Moreover, candidates should be aware of the illegality of certain questions related to protected characteristics during interviews.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question of whether it is illegal to ask job candidates if they have a criminal record is false. Employers can ask about criminal records at certain stages in the hiring process, such as during interviews or after making a conditional job offer. The 'Ban the box' campaign seeks to delay the point at which a job applicant's criminal history can be inquired about, with aims to improve employment opportunities for ex-offenders and to address racial disparities in the criminal justice system.
Nonetheless, it's imperative to know that there are questions asked in interviews that can be discriminatory. For instance, asking about birthplace could be construed as discrimination based on national origin, which is illegal under U.S. employment law. Candidates are entitled to decline answering questions that probe into legally protected characteristics, and they may inquire about why that information is needed to address any potential discrimination issues.