HEARTS of the CITY / Exploring attitudes and issues behind the news

A rotating panel of experts from the worlds of philosophy, psychology and religion offer their perspectives on the dilemmas that come with living in Southern California.

Today’s question: An acquaintance has applied for a job where you work. He has listed you as a reference, and your boss wants to know more about the applicant. He is well qualified, but you know that his wife divorced him because he abused her. Should you reveal this?

The Rev. Ken Uyeda Fong, pastor, Evergreen Baptist Church, Rosemead

Telling my boss about this friend’s abusive past would only occur if the incident was quite recent, had happened repeatedly, and he had not sought professional help. Anyone who asks me for a recommendation understands that I will give as honest an assessment as I can. This includes possibly divulging information that sheds light on his or her character. If this incident were in the distant past and steps had been taken to quell the rage, I might mention it as an example of his commitment to deal with painful issues.

Rabbi Donald Goor

Temple Judea, Tarzana

Too many people today judge others without knowing all the facts. A painful divorce resulting from past abuse of his wife may have awakened the individual to the harm he caused. In the question posed, we are only acquaintances of the individual--we don’t know if he has received help since the divorce. Judaism believes deeply that every person has the opportunity for Teshuva--properly repenting for his actions. Without knowing whether this individual has engaged in proper Teshuva, when asked for a reference on such an acquaintance, I would have no choice, morally or ethically, except to explain that my limited knowledge of the applicant does not permit me to serve as a reference.

Father John P. Daly, director, Center for Asian Business, Loyola Marymount University

The question begs for distinctions. If the person is applying for a university teaching position and he lists me as a reference and if I am asked by the chair or dean who is hiring for a character reference, I would mention that the applicant is divorced as this would be a matter of public record. Regarding the reason for the divorce, I would also mention the spousal abuse issue, adding at the same time how I came to know about this--that is, was it from the applicant himself, or from his former wife or from a third party?