#1
Which of the following is considered a protected characteristic under anti-discrimination laws?
Political affiliation
ExplanationWhile political affiliation is often protected in the workplace, it may vary by jurisdiction.
#2
In the context of employment discrimination, what is disparate impact?
Unintentional discrimination resulting from neutral policies
ExplanationDisparate impact occurs when seemingly neutral policies disproportionately affect a certain group, leading to unintended discrimination.
#3
Which U.S. federal law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, and national origin?
Civil Rights Act of 1964
ExplanationThe Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a landmark legislation that prohibits discrimination based on various protected characteristics in employment and other areas.
#4
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), what is a reasonable accommodation?
Any adjustment that allows a qualified individual with a disability to perform essential job functions
ExplanationReasonable accommodations are modifications or adjustments to the work environment that enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
#5
What is the purpose of affirmative action in the context of employment?
To ensure equal opportunities for underrepresented groups
ExplanationAffirmative action aims to address historical discrimination and promote equal opportunities for marginalized or underrepresented groups in employment and education.
#6
What is the concept of 'affirmative action' intended to address?
Mitigating the impact of discrimination on disadvantaged groups
ExplanationAffirmative action seeks to counteract the effects of past and present discrimination by promoting proactive measures to ensure equal opportunity for all, especially disadvantaged groups.
#7
Under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), at what age are individuals protected from age-based discrimination?
40 and older
ExplanationThe ADEA protects individuals aged 40 and older from discrimination based on their age in employment settings.
#8
What is the 'bona fide occupational qualification' (BFOQ) exception in employment discrimination law?
A defense allowing discrimination based on job requirements
ExplanationBFOQ allows discrimination in employment if it is reasonably necessary for the normal operation of a particular business.
#9
In the context of gender discrimination, what does the term 'quid pro quo' refer to?
Something given or received in exchange for something else
ExplanationQuid pro quo refers to situations where employment benefits are offered in exchange for sexual favors.
#10
What is the legal standard for determining disparate impact in employment discrimination cases?
Business necessity
ExplanationTo justify a disparate impact, the employer must demonstrate that the policy or practice is necessary for the business's operation.
#11
Which legal standard is applied in cases of gender-based discrimination under the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution?
Intermediate scrutiny
ExplanationIntermediate scrutiny requires the government to demonstrate that its gender-based classification serves important governmental objectives and is substantially related to those objectives.
#12
In the context of housing discrimination, what is redlining?
A practice of marking certain neighborhoods as high-risk for loans based on race or ethnicity
ExplanationRedlining is the discriminatory practice of refusing loans or insurance to people in certain areas based on their race or ethnicity.
#13
Which international convention addresses discrimination against women and promotes gender equality?
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
ExplanationCEDAW is an international treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly aimed at eliminating discrimination against women and promoting gender equality.