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Can I legally give hiring preference to veterans?

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Yondering

Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Minnesota

First, I apologize if this is the wrong section of the forum to ask this.

I am the founder and owner of a small startup company. I don't know how soon I will be able to begin hiring (Whenever I get enough work to keep myself busy for 40+ hours per week, I'll be looking to hire). When I do begin hiring, I'll be opening up positions nationwide (It is planned as a 100% telecommuting company).

My question is, would it be legal for me to give preference to veterans and former service men and women when hiring? Bear in mind, the probability exists that I will be hiring people in other states to work from their homes.

Thanks for your time and input.
 


antrc170

Member
Yes you can. You can use any criteria not protected by state/federal law which include sex, race, religion, etc.

The federal government and most state governments also give preference to veterans depending on their circumstances. Veterans with honorable service get 5pts toward their hiring score, disable veterans (10 - 30%) get 10pts and disabled veterans (40% & over) get 10pts plus top of the list status.
 

commentator

Senior Member
If you have contracts or do business with the federal government, you are mandated to give preference to veterans, in fact.

You can use whatever criteria you chose to give preference, as long as it could not be demonstrated to be an effort to discriminate on the basis of a protected characteristic..in other words "I will only hire recently separated veterans of the most recent conflicts (because I want to only hire people under 40 years of age) you're fine.

Or "I only want to hire people who live in this zip code" is not a legitimate criteria because it could be shown that this was being used to screen out and discriminate against certain groups who did not live there.

I suggest you contact your state career center/workforce systems in each state, because they will all have veteran's employment specialists who will be able to put you in touch with a large set of job seeking vets.
 

Beth3

Senior Member
My question is, would it be legal for me to give preference to veterans and former service men and women when hiring?

Yep. You can't discriminate against someone because of their military service but nothing in the law prohibits you from jumping veterans, reservists, and other members of the armed forces to the top of the line. :)
 

Silverplum

Senior Member
My question is, would it be legal for me to give preference to veterans and former service men and women when hiring?

Yep. You can't discriminate against someone because of their military service but nothing in the law prohibits you from jumping veterans, reservists, and other members of the armed forces to the top of the line. :)
I think it's a great idea! :):):)
 

Yondering

Junior Member
Thanks, everyone. I honestly had no idea if I'd be able to- it's been ten years since I've been in a position to make hiring decisions.
 

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