In a workplace, promotion decisions that apply the same rules to all employees but disproportionately affect a religious group would illustrate which concept?

• A. Direct discrimination
• B. Indirect discrimination
• C. Harassment
• D. Retaliation

Answer: (B)

Indirect discrimination occurs when a rule or policy applies to everyone but has a disproportionate negative effect on a protected group. Here, promotion decisions use the same criteria for all staff, yet they disproportionately disadvantage members of a religious group. The rule is neutral on its face, but its impact is unfairly concentrated on that group, making it indirect discrimination.

Direct discrimination would involve explicitly treating someone unfavorably because of their religion, which isn’t the case here. Harassment involves unwelcome conduct related to religion that creates a hostile environment, and retaliation is an adverse action taken in response to someone complaining or asserting rights.