Final answer:
False. A pretext is a false reason used to hide the true, discriminatory motive behind a termination.
Step-by-step explanation:
Incorrect. A valid and non-discriminatory cause for termination is not termed a "pretext." Instead, a pretext refers to a fabricated reason employed to conceal an underlying, discriminatory motive behind a termination. In instances where an employer furnishes a false rationale for a termination, one that does not truthfully align with the actual grounds for the action, it is considered a pretext.
To illustrate, if an employer dismisses an employee based on their race while asserting that the termination is due to inadequate performance, the purported performance-related explanation becomes a pretext for discriminatory practices. In essence, a pretextual termination occurs when the stated reason for the employment action veils the true, discriminatory impetus behind the decision.
It is crucial to distinguish between legitimate, non-discriminatory justifications for termination and situations where employers utilize pretexts to camouflage discriminatory motives. Recognizing and addressing pretextual practices is integral to combating workplace discrimination and ensuring that employment decisions are grounded in fairness, transparency, and adherence to anti-discrimination laws.