In a manner that unfairly distinguishes or treats differently a person or a group of people based on their membership in a particular group or category, often involving prejudice or bias. This action results in unequal or unjust treatment, denying opportunities, rights, or privileges. The basis of this discriminatory behavior can include characteristics such as race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or socioeconomic status. It often leads to social, economic, and political inequalities and can perpetuate systemic disadvantages. Discriminatory actions can manifest in various forms, including verbal abuse, harassment, exclusion, and denial of access to resources.
Discriminatorily meaning with examples
- The company was found to have acted discriminatorily, consistently paying female employees less than their male counterparts for performing the same work. This blatant gender-based wage gap was the focus of a significant legal case, which ultimately found in favor of the affected employees, and which resulted in the company having to pay reparations.
- The housing policy of the city was deemed to be discriminatorily targeting low-income families. Zoning laws were enacted that effectively excluded affordable housing options from wealthier neighborhoods, perpetuating segregation and limiting access to educational and employment opportunities for those families. This unjust practice was challenged by the city's community.
- The hiring practices of the department were shown to be discriminatorily biased against applicants with disabilities. Despite possessing the necessary qualifications, qualified candidates were often overlooked or rejected, highlighting a lack of reasonable accommodations and revealing an underlying prejudice during the interview process. This led to complaints and an internal investigation.
- The school's disciplinary actions were found to be discriminatorily targeting minority students. Statistics revealed a disproportionate number of suspensions and expulsions for students from specific ethnic backgrounds, prompting concerns of racial bias and inequitable treatment in the application of school rules and regulations. The school district was investigated.