What is Disparate Treatment?

Disparate Treatment is intentionally discriminating against a protected class of employees. According to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a protected class is described as “applicants, employees and former employees who are protected from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history).”

In the aftermath of George Floyd’s public murder in May 2020 and subsequent Black Lives Matter protests, many organizations in the US were confronted with the reality of discrimination and systemic racism, and their impact on society. Then, a global outpouring of support for racial justice and an outcry against systemic discrimination followed in many other cultures worldwide.