
Disparate treatment is an element of employment discrimination. The term means that an employee was treated differently than other employees similarly situated, though in a legal sense, the different treatment must be based on the individual’s inclusion in a protected class.
Full Answer
What does disparate treatment stand for?
Disparate treatment occurs where members of a race, sex, or ethnic group have been denied the same employment, promotion, membership, or other employment opportunities as have been available to other employees or applicants.
How to pronounce disparate treatment?
Disparate treatment is a way to prove illegal employment discrimination. An employee who makes a disparate treatment claim alleges that he or she was treated differently than other employees who were similarly situated, and that the difference was based on a …
What is disparate treatment theory?
Disparate treatment, in the employment context, refers to when a person is treated differently from others. The different treatment is based on one or more of the protected factors and the different treatment is intentional.
What is a disparate treatment employment discrimination claim?
Disparate treatment is one of the theories of discrimination under Title VII of the United States Civil Rights Act; the other theory is disparate impact. Title VII prohibits employers from treating applicants or employees differently because of their membership in a protected class.

What is an example of disparate treatment?
Disparate treatment refers to intentional discrimination, where people in a protected class are deliberately treated differently. This is the most common type of discrimination. An example would be an employer giving a certain test to all of the women who apply for a job but to none of the men.Oct 19, 2020
What is disparate treatment?
Disparate treatment is intentional employment discrimination. For example, testing a particular skill of only certain minority applicants is disparate treatment.
How do you prove disparate treatment?
Disparate treatment occurs when an employer treats some individuals less favorably than other similarly situated individuals because of their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. To prove disparate treatment, the charging party must establish that respondent's actions were based on a discriminatory motive.Aug 1, 1988
What's the difference between disparate treatment and disparate impact?
The difference between disparate impact and disparate treatment is that disparate treatment is intentional discrimination, while disparate impact is unintentional.
What is disparate treatment in mortgage lending?
Disparate treatment occurs when a lender treats a credit applicant differently based on one of the prohibited bases. It does not require any showing that the treatment was motivated by prejudice or a conscious intention to discriminate against a person beyond the difference in treatment itself.
What is disparate treatment in human resources?
Disparate treatment, also known as adverse treatment, occurs when an employer treats an employee unfairly compared to other employees based on the person's personal characteristics, especially with regard to protected classes.
What is an individual disparate treatment claim?
Disparate treatment is a way to prove illegal employment discrimination. An employee who makes a disparate treatment claim alleges that he or she was treated differently than other employees who were similarly situated, and that the difference was based on a protected characteristic.
Is harassment a disparate treatment?
Employment discrimination occurs when an employee is treated differently by an employer regarding firing, hiring, benefits, and promotions. Another form of hostility, disparate treatment, is similar to both workplace harassment and employment discrimination.Mar 28, 2018
What is the Mcdonnell Douglas test?
Mcdonnell Douglas test refers to a legal principle requiring a plaintiff (employee) to prove with evidence of employment- discrimination. The test also requires a defendant (employer) to prove with evidence showing that the employment action complained was taken for nondiscriminatory reasons.
Which of the following is a type of disparate treatment?
A form of intentional discrimination in which an employee is hired, fired, denied a promotion, or the like, based on membership in a protected class (as listed in the CRA (Civil Rights Act), such as race, color, religion, sex, or national origin).
What is disparate impact in real estate?
Disparate impact refers to a policy or practice which is neutral on its face, but which disproportionately affects a group of people defined by one of the fair housing laws' protected characteristics, without a legitimate business necessity for the practice, or where there is a less-discriminatory alternative.
What does disparate impact refer to?
Disparate impact means the selective adverse effect of a facially neutral law, requirement, or process, which lacks any relevant justification, on individuals belonging to a legally protected group. Federal statutes and regulations authorize the use of disparate impact analysis to identify unlawful discrimination.Mar 3, 2021
What is disparate treatment?
Disparate treatment is a claim of discrimination in which an individual complains to have been treated differently than other people in a similar situation, but who don’t share the individual’s protected class. Disparate treatment is a common element of proving employment discrimination, but it occurs in other areas of life as well, ...
What is disparate discrimination?
The EEO defines this type of discrimination as: “Inconsistent application of rules and policies to one group of people over another.” In 1977, the U.S. Supreme Court defined disparate treatment as discriminatory acts in which “ [t]he employer simply treats some people less favorably than others because of their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.” Proving disparate treatment often involves proving that the employer’s decision was motivated by the employee’s protected trait.
What does discrimination mean in employment?
The term means that an employee was treated differently than other employees similarly situated, though in a legal sense, the different treatment must be based on the individual’s inclusion in a protected class. Discrimination is prohibited by the U.S. Constitution, and as such, the wronged person may take his case before the employment board, ...
How can a person be treated differently?
There are two ways in which a person may be treated differently, or “disparately,” for purposes of discrimination actions: (1) disparate treatment, and (2) disparate impact. The difference between the two has to do with intent and effect.
What is protected class?
What is a Protected Class. Federal anti-discrimination laws make it unlawful to discriminate against anyone on the basis of certain characteristics. Because these characteristics are protected by law, people having these trait s or qualities are considered to be in a protected class.
What is after acquired evidence?
After-acquired evidence is evidence of an employee’s wrongdoing or misconduct, gathered by the employer only after the employee’s discharge and claim of discrimination. Over the years, there has been some debate as to whether after-acquired evidence could prevent a plaintiff from winning his discrimination, or disparate treatment, lawsuit. In general, the courts have held that after-acquired evidence of misconduct unrelated to the grounds for termination can only prevent a plaintiff from being awarded reinstatement, injunctive relief, and front pay, if accepted at all.
What is a civil lawsuit?
Civil Lawsuit – A lawsuit brought about in court when one person claims to have suffered a loss due to the actions of another person. Defendant – A party against whom a lawsuit has been filed in civil court, or who has been accused of, or charged with, a crime or offense.
What is disparate treatment?
Disparate treatment is a way to prove illegal employment discrimination. An employee who makes a disparate treatment claim alleges that he or she was treated differently than other employees who were similarly situated, and that the difference was based on a protected characteristic. In other words, the employee alleges ...
How to prove a disparate treatment claim?
To prove a disparate treatment claim, an employee must first present enough evidence to allow the judge or jury to infer that discrimination took place.
What is the pretext for discrimination?
Once the employer states a legitimate reason for the decision, the employee must prove that it's a pretext for discrimination. This doesn't mean the employee has to come up with absolute proof of an illegitimate motive. Instead, the employee has to present some evidence that calls the employer's stated reason into question and allows the jury to conclude that the employer was really motivated by discrimination. Here are some examples:
What is protected class?
The employee is a member of a protected class (for example, the employee is African American, female, or over the age of 40). The employee was qualified for a job benefit. For example, the employee applied—and was qualified—for an open position, or the employee held a position that he or she was performing adequately.
What is prima facie case?
The Prima Facie Case. The type of evidence an employee has to present to prove a prima facie case of disparate treatment discrimination depends on the facts. If there is direct evidence of discrimination, that's enough. For example, if an employer hires only female bartenders or has said it will not promote African Americans to management ...
What is disparate treatment?
Disparate treatment, in the employment context, refers to when a person is treated differently from others. The different treatment is based on one or more of the protected factors and the different treatment is intentional. This is distinguished from the concept of "adverse impact", which may be unintentional and applies to a protected group ...
What are protected classes?
Protected classes identified by state and/or federal law include: Age - A person 40 years of age or older. Color - Regarding the complexion or varying shades of a person’s skin. Creed - Any statement or system of belief, principles or opinions.
What is the definition of religion?
Religion – All aspects of religious observance, practice and belief which include moral or ethical beliefs as to what is right and wrong which are sincerely held with the strength of traditional religious views. Sex/Gender - The condition or character of being male or female.
Citation
"Disparate treatment." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2021. Web. 4 Sep. 2021. < https://www.definitions.net/definition/Disparate+treatment >.
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What Does Disparate Treatment Mean?
A legal case can be presented by a person on the basis of disparate treatment. According to the Civil Rights Act, it constitutes an unlawful form of discrimination.
Example
Hugo is a 34 years old factory worker born in Mexico. He was hired by the company a few months ago because he is very skilled at performing mechanical jobs. A few days ago he had an unpleasant conversation with his boss, who shared his view about immigrants.
What is disparate treatment?
A disparate treatment claim argues that the individual suffered less favorable treatment than similarly situated individuals. The basis for the less favorable treatment may be due to the individual’s race, religion, sex, color, or national origin. In disparate treatment claims, the employer’s intent is the matter at issue.
What are the federal protections for discrimination?
There are federal protections that protect individuals from discrimination in the workplace. Your employer, or potential employer, has an obligation to prevent and address discrimination against employees. Multiple federal and state protections ensure that if discrimination occurs, victims may file a claim for this treatment.
What are the two forms of discrimination in the workplace?
There are two forms of discrimination in the workplace: disparate treatment and disparate impact. An experienced California employment discrimination attorney can aid in analyzing evidence and building a case for the discrimination you’ve experienced.
Who enforces the ADEA?
The ADEA is enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
What is the Fair Employment and Housing Act?
In California, the Fair Employment and Housing Act prohibits discrimination against a number of protected classes, including: Age (individuals over 40). California’s FEHA provides even more expansive protection for individuals against discrimination than federal laws.
What is the Civil Rights Act of 1964?
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin . Title VII prohibits an employer from discriminating with regard to any term, condition, or privilege of employment.
What is disparate treatment?
Disparate treatment occurs when an employer treats some individuals less favorably than other similarly situated individuals because of their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. To prove disparate treatment, the charging party must establish that respondent's actions were based on a discriminatory motive.
What is the Rehabilitation Act of 1973?
The Commission enforces the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, with respect to Federal employment. Federal departments and agencies in the Executive Branch are required to make reasonable accommodation for handicapped individuals unless to do so would create an undue hardship. 29 CFR § 1613.704.
Why does a respondent argue that a charging party was qualified for a position in question but it selected another
In some instances, a respondent will concede that a charging party was qualified for a position in question but argue that it selected another person because the selectee was better qualified. This defense must be examined carefully. Respondent must state precisely the way (s) in which the selectee was more qualified than the charging party. This defense may be a pretext for discrimination.
What is discrimination in the Civil Rights Act?
It can occur when an employer or other person subject to the Act intentionally excludes individuals from an employment opportunity on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Evidence of exclusion need not be embodied in respondent's employment policies or practices however. Whenever similarly situated individuals of a different race, sex, religion, or national origin group are accorded disparate treatment in the context of a similar employment situation, it is reasonable to infer, absent other evidence, that discrimination has occurred. The presence of a discriminatory motive can be inferred from the fact that there were differences in treatment. International Brotherhood of Teamsters v. U.S., 431 U.S. 324, 14 EPD ¶ 7579 (1977).
What does the respondent present in an EOS case?
In this situation, the respondent presents evidence which indicates that charging party's allegations are factually incorrect and evidence of what actually occurred. Respondent's version of the facts might dispel any inference of discrimination which had been raised by charging party. It is important to remember that the EOS must attempt to determine whether there is evidence that supports respondent's factual allegations.
What does EOS do after a charge?
After the respondent has submitted its position and evidence in support of that position, the EOS must always give the charging party the opportunity to respond to respondent's case. The charging party may have evidence which contradicts the evidence that respondent has submitted to support its position or be able to identify witnesses who contradict respondent's position. Although the EOS must always solicit a response from the charging party, (s)he must independently examine respondent's evidence to determine whether it is a pretext for discrimination.
What is the meaning of "justification by business necessity"?
424,3 EPD ¶ 8137 (1971), the Supreme Court announced the principle that employment policies and practices which have an adverse impact on minorities and women and are not justified by business necessity constitute illegal discrimination under Title VII. Justifying an employment policy or practice by business necessity involves a showing that the policy or practice is related to performance on the job. This means, for example, showing that a selection procedure has been validated.

How Disparate Treatment Impacts A Business
- Employers who enable or allow examples of disparate treatment and otherdiscriminatory practices at their company aren’t just setting a morally negative example to others. They can also face costly legal, financial and cultural consequences. Employees may take action when a c…
Examples of Disparate Treatment
- Disparate treatment ranges from subtle to severe and can occur in any type of workplace. Here are the main types of disparate treatment claims with examples:
Disparate Treatment vs. Disparate Impact
- Disparate impact, also called adverse impact, is different from disparate treatment in that it specifically addresses situations where someone feels they have been disproportionately affected by a seemingly neutral employment policy. For example, if a company has a policy of conducting general meetings or other important staff activities that stretch past hours clearly defined by a h…
Frequently Asked Questions About Disparate Treatment
- What is comparative disparate treatment?
Comparative disparate treatment happens when a business has a history of denying service to people who belong to a certain group. An example would be a nail salon that refuses to give spa services to disabled people. - What is overt disparate treatment?
Overt disparate treatment occurs when someone obviously and clearly judges or punishes an employee based on their gender, race, religion or another personal characteristic. If a manager told a female employee that she wouldn’t be considered for a promotion because men are bette…
Definition of Disparate Treatment
- Noun 1. Treatment of an individual that is less favorable than treatment of others, for a discriminatory purpose 2. Discriminatory treatment of an employee for reasons of his inclusion in a protected class
What Is Disparate Treatment
- Disparate treatment is a claim of discrimination in which an individual complains to have been treated differently than other people in a similar situation, but who don’t share the individual’s protected class. Disparate treatment is a common element of proving employment discrimination, but it occurs in other areas of life as well, such as loan ap...
Disparate Treatment vs. Disparate Impact
- There are two ways in which a person may be treated differently, or “disparately,” for purposes of discrimination actions: (1) disparate treatment, and (2) disparate impact. The difference between the two has to do with intent and effect.
Proving A Disparate Treatment Complaint
- Proving a claim of disparate treatment does not require proof beyond doubt. Rather, it requires the individual complaining of discrimination (the “plaintiff”) to make a prima facie case, which means he has to provide sufficient evidence to the court that there is at least the appearanceof discrimination. The employer must then defend its actions, providing evidence of a reasonable, …
Disparate Treatment Example in Firefighter Promotions
- In 2003, the New Haven Connecticut Fire Department needed to fill 15 management positions, having 7 openings for Captain, and 8 openings for Lieutenant. Like most civil service organizations, hiring is done by a “Rule of Three,” in which a civil service examination is given, after which the department chooses from the three highest-scoring applicants on the list. The Ci…
Related Legal Terms and Issues
- Civil Lawsuit– A lawsuit brought about in court when one person claims to have suffered a loss due to the actions of another person.
- Defendant– A party against whom a lawsuit has been filed in civil court, or who has been accused of, or charged with, a crime or offense.
- Discrimination– The practice of unfairly treating different categories of people, especially on …
- Civil Lawsuit– A lawsuit brought about in court when one person claims to have suffered a loss due to the actions of another person.
- Defendant– A party against whom a lawsuit has been filed in civil court, or who has been accused of, or charged with, a crime or offense.
- Discrimination– The practice of unfairly treating different categories of people, especially on the grounds of ethnicity, national origin, gender, race, religion, and sexual orientation.
- Front Pay– Employment compensation for the period between judgement ordering reinstatement, and actual reinstatement. Front pay is, like back pay, an award of lost earnings.