Quote:
Originally Posted by UCMATH
I recently got an internship and a work-study job in San Francisco. Then they began to ask questions about my past mental health and whether I have been in a psychiatric hospital in the past. I hate lying, so I told the truth. Both the internship and the work-study job just got back to me and told me they've decided I'm no longer the best candidate. I know it's because I have Bipolar Disorder.
I'm thinking of lying about my illness in the future. I'll probably pretend I have no history of mental illness. Has anyone else done that? Were there any negative repercussions?
Thanks!
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It is absolutely inappropriate to ask such personal questions. In addition to the fact that it is illegal to not hire someone on the basis of a disability. If you have legitimate concerns about the company not hiring based on a disability, you need to approach the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in your area. Another law that protects you from this is the American Disability Act.
In the future, if a potential employer asks you about any mental health issues, politely decline to answer based on the fact that regardless of the answer you give that you are protected by federal law.