Which statement best describes direct discrimination in promotions?

• A. It involves treating people differently in a way that is not related to their job.
• B. It includes applying a neutral policy that harms a group.
• C. It means promoting all equally regardless of merit.
• D. It involves unfavorable treatment solely because of a protected characteristic in a promotion decision.

Answer: (D)

Direct discrimination in promotions happens when a promotion decision is tainted by a protected characteristic, leading to unfavorable treatment that is based solely on that trait rather than on merit or job-related criteria. The statement that describes unfavorable treatment solely because of a protected characteristic in a promotion decision captures this exact idea: the outcome hinges on who they are, not on their qualifications, performance, or fit for the role. For example, passing over a qualified candidate because of their race or gender is direct discrimination in the promotion process.

A neutral policy that harms a group describes indirect discrimination, where a policy applies to everyone but has a disproportionate negative effect on a protected group. Promoting everyone equally regardless of merit isn’t discrimination at all—it’s equal treatment. And treating people differently in a way that isn’t related to the job wouldn’t reflect a promotion decision based on protected characteristics in the way direct discrimination does.