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Veteran Hiring Protection

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Key Message

Many companies would like to give special consideration to hiring veterans due to unique skill sets, proven work ethic and reliability but may be hesitant to do so out of concern of being sued under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. However, Title VII, Section 11, of the Civil Rights Act contains a carve-out that exempts veterans' preference processes that are authorized by state statute.

Summary

States can promote the hiring of veterans by allowing veteran preference in hiring, protecting private sector employers from claims of discrimination.

Statistic

About 360,000 veterans leave military service each year, and many of them enter the civilian job market. While many private sector employers would like to give veterans preference in hiring, doing so could expose them to charges of discrimination under the federal Civil Rights Act. States can help fix the problem by allowing veteran preference by private employers, which is permitted under the act.

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