Which term describes policies that appear neutral but disproportionately affect a protected group in promotions?

• A. Direct discrimination
• B. Indirect discrimination
• C. Harassment
• D. Neutral policy

Answer: (B)

Indirect discrimination describes policies that are neutral in appearance but disproportionately affect a protected group when promotions are at stake. The policy applies to everyone, yet its real-world impact falls more on one group, often because of caregiving duties, language, or other factors tied to protected characteristics. If that impact isn’t clearly justified as a proportionate means to a legitimate business aim, it counts as indirect discrimination. This differs from direct discrimination, where someone is treated unfavorably specifically because of a protected trait, and from harassment, which involves unwanted conduct based on those traits. A seemingly neutral policy that ends up harming a protected group in promotions is the essence of indirect discrimination.