During an investigation, which of the following is not prohibited by the Federal Civil Rights Act?

The Federal Civil Rights Act protects individuals from discrimination based on various characteristics, including race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Among the options presented, asking questions about prior convictions is permitted and not considered discriminatory; it does not pertain to the protected characteristics outlined in the Act.

In contrast, asking about prior arrests can lead to implications of discrimination because it may unfairly target certain races or groups, especially if those arrests did not result in convictions. Similarly, directing inquiries based on race, color, religion, or sex for discriminatory purposes is explicitly prohibited as it violates the principles of the Act aimed at safeguarding equal treatment and preventing discrimination. Thus, the only option that clearly complies with the stipulations of the Federal Civil Rights Act, without implying discriminatory intention, is the inquiry about prior convictions.