A private university allows senior faculty members to interview prospective faculty members. Although the university is a non-denominational organization, it prides itself on the religious beliefs of its founders and encourages (though it does not require) its employees to exhibit kindness toward each other. In the process of interviewing prospective faculty members, one of the senior faculty members tells prospective faculty members that the culture of the organization is very religious and asks prospective faculty members if they would be comfortable working in an organization whose culture emphasizes religious beliefs.
- Is it appropriate for a representative of the university to mention to prospective faculty members that there is a culture in the organization that is centered on religion?
- Is it appropriate for a representative of the university to ask prospective faculty members if they would be comfortable working in an organization whose culture emphasizes religious beliefs?
- What issues could allowing such comments and questions in the interview process raise?