Should I put my Religion and Race/Ethnicity on my scholarship application?

Question

I am mainly Native American and Dutch. I am a Christian, but I am a non-fundamentalist Christian, and although I don't like denominations, my beliefs are very much like those of the Jehovah's Witnesses. Will it be better for me to say I am a Jehovah's Witness, and that I am Native-American & Dutch?...OR should I not put my religion and race/ethnicity on my scholarship application?

Answer 1

Yes, if the information is requested.. ..

If he fears persecution, an adherent of the Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses will sometimes list his religion simply as "Christian". Of course, the goal of many scholarships is both to diversify and to encourage the constituencies of under-represented groups to further their educations.

It would likely be considered fraudulent for a person to represent himself as a Jehovah's Witness merely to increase his chances of financial gain. A Jehovah's Witness is not merely someone who agrees with some of what Jehovah's Witnesses teach, but who joins in their formal preaching work. Admittedly, the fraud would likely be considered a breach of ethics and morals rather than of law.

Answer 2

There will not be a place for those questions, because they are illegal to ask.  There might be an attachment with a statement that any indication of race is simply being done to classify race as a statistical component of their scholarship programs.  Religion is absolutely off limits, and if you wish to put either on the application, there will probably be a place for hobbies, or outside interests.  This is the place where you can put them if you want, but believe me, none of these things are required.  If they tell you that they are required, then you can ask them why, and indicate the constitutionallity and the illegality of the questions.  Good luck.

Answer 3

Answer all questions honestly, or it will come across questionable in later encounters.

Answer 4

It is illegal for them to hold that kind of information against you, and if you do put it down, you could qualify for scholarships specially for students in your demographics.

Answer 5

Unless you're applying to a religious college, it shouldn't matter (unless you've made a significant change in the way they do business). Put your race/ethnicity  and any other identifying criteria (athletic, music, science, etc.) on your scholarship applications.