Which term best describes treating someone unfavorably in promotion because of a protected characteristic?

Which term best describes treating someone unfavorably in promotion because of a protected characteristic?

• A. Favoritism
• B. Indirect discrimination
• C. Direct discrimination
• D. Reasonable accommodation

Answer: (C)

Direct discrimination occurs when a decision, such as a promotion, is made specifically because of a protected characteristic, leading to unfavourable treatment. If someone is passed over for a promotion solely due to their protected trait, that direct link between the characteristic and the adverse outcome is what defines direct discrimination. This is different from indirect discrimination, which happens when a neutral rule or policy ends up disadvantaging a protected group more than others, rather than being a direct result of the trait in the decision maker’s reasoning. Favoritism involves giving favorable treatment, not unfavorable treatment based on a protected characteristic, and reasonable accommodation concerns adjustments to enable participation for disabilities, not promotion decisions based on characteristics.

Direct discrimination occurs when a decision, such as a promotion, is made specifically because of a protected characteristic, leading to unfavourable treatment. If someone is passed over for a promotion solely due to their protected trait, that direct link between the characteristic and the adverse outcome is what defines direct discrimination. This is different from indirect discrimination, which happens when a neutral rule or policy ends up disadvantaging a protected group more than others, rather than being a direct result of the trait in the decision maker’s reasoning. Favoritism involves giving favorable treatment, not unfavorable treatment based on a protected characteristic, and reasonable accommodation concerns adjustments to enable participation for disabilities, not promotion decisions based on characteristics.