Final answer:
Before hiring a candidate, it is appropriate and lawful for a prospective employer to pursue the candidate's work experience, qualifications, and references. However, asking about the candidate's race or ethnicity is not appropriate or lawful.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of a job interview, it is appropriate and lawful for a prospective employer to pursue lines of inquiry regarding the candidate's previous work experience, qualifications and skills, and references. However, asking about the candidate's race or ethnicity is not appropriate or lawful.
According to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), employers are prohibited from discriminating against job applicants based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, and age.
As a result, employers should avoid asking questions about personal characteristics that fall within these protected categories.