Final answer:
Discrimination is the unjust or unequal treatment of an individual or group based on certain characteristics. Laws in the United States forbid discrimination on the basis of various factors, such as age, disability, race/color, religion, or sex. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces these laws, and the courts apply stricter rules to discriminatory practices in areas with a history of discrimination.
Step-by-step explanation:
Discrimination is the unjust or unequal treatment of an individual or group based on a specific characteristic, such as their race, age, or gender identity. In the United States, a number of laws forbid discrimination on the basis of age, disability, national origin, pregnancy, race/color, religion, or sex.
The U.S Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee based on their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information. The courts apply more stringent rules to policies, laws, and actions that discriminate on these bases (race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or national origin) due to the United States' history of discrimination in these areas.
Religious discrimination involves treating a person unfavorably because of their religious beliefs. The law protects individuals who belong to traditional, organized religions, as well as those who have sincerely held religious, ethical, or moral beliefs. However, it is important to note that not all forms of discrimination are treated with the same level of scrutiny by the courts.