ResumeBuilder.com, the premier resource for professional resume templates and career advice, has published a recent survey report examining how the current political climate is influencing hiring and employment practices. The survey of 988 U.S. hiring managers reveals that 8% have rejected candidates for pro-Palestine views, and an additional 19% say they would consider doing so. Additionally, 5% of hiring managers say their company has fired employees over these views. The survey also found that 1 in 3 companies have become more cautious about hiring individuals with opposing political views under the Trump administration.

The data comes amid heightened political discourse, including Columbia University’s decision to expel pro-Palestinian activists and former President Donald Trump’s stated intention to deport protestors expressing pro-Palestinian support.

“U.S. federal law does not protect private-sector employees from discrimination based on political beliefs,” says ResumeBuilder’s Chief Career Advisor Stacie Haller. “However, affiliations with terrorist groups are not protected under any law. Employers can legally take action, including termination, against individuals supporting such organizations, especially if it threatens workplace safety or violates company policies.”

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The study finds that hiring managers are even more cautious when it comes to pro-Hamas views: 8% have rejected candidates for this reason, and 35% would consider doing so. Common concerns among hiring managers include internal conflict, workplace activism, safety risks, public relations issues, and potential legal or governmental ramifications.

Nearly all hiring managers who reported rejecting or considering rejecting candidates say they learned about the individual’s views through publicly available information. More than half (53%) say it was discovered on social media, while others say candidates disclosed their views in interviews (48%), background checks (40%), or resumes (39%).
Beyond hiring, some companies have disciplined current employees for similar reasons.

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For pro-Palestine views, 5% of hiring managers report an employee was fired, 9% say someone received a warning, 5% say an employee was demoted, and 7% say responsibilities were reduced. The numbers are slightly higher for pro-Hamas views, with 6% reporting firings and 10% reporting warnings.

“To maintain a professional and harmonious workplace, employees should refrain from engaging in political discussions that could lead to conflicts or a hostile environment,” says Haller. “Employers are encouraged to establish clear policies that balance free expression with professionalism, setting expectations for respectful communication among staff.”

This survey, launched on March 20, 2025, was commissioned by ResumeBuilder.com and conducted online by the polling platform Pollfish. Overall, 988 U.S. full-time manager-level employees completed the survey.

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Source: PR Web