Final answer:
The answer is A) True. The EEOC mandates that employers cannot use information on protected characteristics such as pregnancy, religion, or age provided on a résumé for hiring decisions, even if it is offered voluntarily by the applicant.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), if an applicant's résumé voluntarily furnishes information that cannot be legally obtained, such as pregnancy, religion, or age, the employer should not use that information during the selection process. The correct answer to the student's question is A) True. Employers must adhere to anti-discrimination laws and avoid making hiring decisions based on protected characteristics.
It is illegal for potential employers to use personal information about protected characteristics to make employment decisions, even if the applicant provides this information unsolicited. If discrimination is suspected during the hiring process, individuals are encouraged to contact the EEOC. In cases of statistical discrimination, sellers of labor can reassure potential employers by providing additional relevant qualifications, references, or credentials that more accurately reflect their productivity and suitability for the job, as opposed to group-related stereotypes.