Missouri State Employees' Retirement System interview questions

Panel interview with HR and the hiring manager. Feedback was that references were not conducted however, my former employer was contacted through a back channel reference. Its disrespectful contacting references prior to requesting permission... indicative of a culture of distrust that condones hearsay/gossip/and speaking behind individuals' backs. Hypocritical to imply a character reference was needed while in-turn, the feedback was dishonest that references weren't contacted. There’s a difference between evaluating a candidate and judging them based on a former employers opinion from 7 yrs ago. I will not be applying here again. There is a reason public pensions are substantially underfunded.. Hiring is not merit-based. Self-righteous and judgmental.