I A recruiter for a cybersecurity company is screening candidates for an engineering role by...

Employers have the right to reject candidates based on public social media content that suggests illegal activity or violates company policies.

Why is drug use a valid reason for dismissal?

Illegal drug use may violate company policies and raise concerns about reliability, safety, and professionalism.

Many industries, especially cybersecurity and government-related jobs, require security clearances, which prohibit drug use.

U.S. employment laws allow employers to consider illegal drug use when making hiring decisions, provided they do not discriminate based on protected characteristics.

A. Posts indicating pregnancy – Pregnancy is a protected characteristic under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (Pregnancy Discrimination Act) and cannot be used to reject a candidate.

B. Self-identified gender – Gender identity is protected under anti-discrimination laws (e.g., U.S. EEOC guidelines).

C. Age discrepancy in photos – Employers must avoid age discrimination under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA).

Why Not the Other Options?Thus, the correct answer is D. Photos depicting use of drugs, as it may legally justify disqualification based on company policies and workplace safety requirements.

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Guidelines.

U.S. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (1964).

Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) (1967).

References in Ethics in Technology: