A recent survey has revealed that American businesses are becoming increasingly cautious when it comes to hiring recent college graduates. Some companies are especially wary of hiring graduates who have participated in pro-Palestinian protests.
According to a report by the Consumer News and Business Channel (NCBC), a recent survey conducted by the higher education publication Intelligent.com found that 64% of employers have become more cautious about hiring college graduates in the past five years. Out of 1268 business leaders surveyed, nearly one-third expressed specific concerns about hiring students who have participated in pro-Palestinian protests, with 22% unwilling to hire recent graduates involved in such demonstrations.
Since the start of the Israel-Palestine conflict, numerous protests in support of Palestine have erupted at universities across the United States, leading to the arrests of thousands of individuals. Some protesters have camped on campus, occupied school buildings, harassed Jewish students, and disrupted the normal order on campus.
On October 7th last year, the Palestinian armed group Hamas launched a terrorist attack on Israel, triggering the Israel-Palestine conflict. This attack resulted in over 1200 deaths and at least 253 individuals being taken hostage by Hamas.
Students from prestigious universities such as Columbia University, the University of Virginia, the University of Michigan, and the University of Mississippi have also participated in pro-Palestinian protests.
The survey by Intelligent.com indicates that nearly two-thirds of employers stated that they are unwilling to hire individuals involved in protest activities due to concerns that they may exhibit confrontational behavior in the workplace. Over half of employers mentioned that these protesters are overly politicized and may make other employees uncomfortable.
Other reasons cited included employers viewing protesters as troublesome, dangerous, lacking a good education, or holding political beliefs different from their own.
Huys Nguyen, Chief Education and Career Development Consultant at Intelligent.com, told CNBC: “Recent campus protest activities and other events have raised widespread concerns, and employers are looking to avoid potential disruptions and conflicts in the workplace, which is understandable. However, employers should strive to avoid judging graduates based on political views, as this could lead to a slippery slope.”
He added, “Exercising freedom of speech and sharing personal viewpoints on social issues is a fundamental right, and employers should prioritize applicants based on skills, experience, and other job-related qualifications rather than political leanings.”
In contrast to these cautious employers, about 21% of surveyed business leaders are enthusiastic about hiring graduates who have participated in protests, valuing their outspokenness, strong values, dedication to their careers, and shared political beliefs.
At the same time, 57% of business leaders remain neutral on the issue. The survey showed that 31% of business leaders always or frequently ask about a candidate’s involvement in protest activities during interviews, while 54% said they rarely inquire about such matters.
Nguyen explained, “Political viewpoints should never be a consideration in the hiring process. Doing so is not only unethical but also serves no purpose for the candidate in fulfilling their job requirements. Additionally, in some jurisdictions, biased employers may face legal repercussions.”
Nguyen emphasized that college students and graduates should not necessarily suppress their political views and activism but should be aware that some employers do hold biases.
He advised, “When seeking employment, strive to maintain professionalism, separate personal political views from career goals, and highlight your ability to excel in the position you are applying for.”
He added, “Recognize the existence of these biases but do not give up on your efforts. Focus on developing adaptability, becoming a lifelong learner, and having the confidence to overcome any challenges that may arise in your current or future career.”