[**Editors note: According to 41 CFR 60-741.42, there are only two circumstances when an employer may ask a disabled applicant to self-identity on a pre-offer basis:
(1) The invitation is made when the contractor actually is undertaking affirmative action for individuals with disabilities at the pre-offer stage; or (2) The invitation is made pursuant to a Federal, state or local law requiring affirmative action for individuals with disabilities.
According to 41 CFR 60-250.42, there are only two circumstances under which an employer may ask applicants who are Special Disabled Veterans to self-identity on a pre-offer basis:
(1) The invitation is made when the contractor actually is undertaking affirmative action for special disabled veterans at the pre-offer stage; or (2) The invitation is made pursuant to a Federal, state or local law requiring affirmative action for special disabled veterans.]
EEOC RACE/ETHNIC IDENTIFICATION CATEGORIES
Hispanic or Latino: A person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race.
Caucasian/White: A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa.
Black/African American: A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa.
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander: A person having origins in any of the peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands.
Asian: A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian Subcontinent, including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Phillippine Islands, Thailand, and Vietnam.
American Indian or Alaska Native: A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South America (including Central America), and who maintain tribal affiliation or community attachment.
Two or More Races: All persons who identify with more than one of the above five races.
Individual with Disabilities Defined as a person who (1) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of his or her major life activity(s), (2) has a record of such impairment(s), or (3) is regarded as having such impairment(s). For purposes of this definition, an individual with disability(s) is a substantially limited if he or she is likely to experience difficulty in securing, retaining, or advancing in employment because of the disability(s).
Special Disabled Veteran Defined as a veteran who is entitled to disability compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Veterans Administration for a disability (I) rated at 30% or more, or (II) rated at 10 or 20% in the case of a veteran who has been determined under Section 1506 to have a serious employment disability, or a person who was discharged from active duty because of a service-connected disability.
Veteran of the Vietnam Era Defined as a veteran who (a) served on active duty in the Republic of Vietnam between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975, or (b) served on active duty for a period of more than 180 days, any part of which occurred between August 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975, and was discharged or released therefrom with other than a dishonorable discharge, or (c) was discharged or released from active duty for a service-connected disability if any part of his or her active duty was performed between Augusst 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975.
Other Eligible Veteran Defined as any veteran who served in a "war" declared by Congress, in a campaign or on an expedition for which a campaign badge, a service medal, or an expeditionary medal has been awarded.