In the absence of a BFOQ, why are questions about height or weight considered impermissible?

Questions about height or weight are considered impermissible in the absence of a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ) primarily because they can unfairly screen out certain groups. Such criteria often have a disparate impact on specific demographics, including women and individuals from various racial or ethnic backgrounds, who may not meet arbitrary height or weight standards even if they are fully capable of performing the job duties required.

In most cases, these physical characteristics do not correlate directly with job performance or capability. This means that using such metrics can lead to discrimination in hiring practices, as they do not account for an individual's skills, experience, or work ethic. Emphasizing fairness and equality in hiring, it's essential to focus on qualifications and abilities that are directly relevant to the tasks at hand, rather than relying on subjective measures that could impose barriers on qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds.