Chapter 25 Vocabulary

Question 1

A group of persons protected by specific laws because of the group’s defining characteristics, including race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, and disability.

Answer 1

Protected Class

Question 2

A form of employment discrimination that results when an employer intentionally discriminates against employees who are members of protected classes.

Answer 2

Disparate-Treatment Discrimination

Question 3

A case in which the plaintiff has produced sufficient evidence of his or her claim that the case will be decided for the plaintiff unless the defendant produces no evidence to rebut it.

Answer 3

Prima Facie Case

Question 4

Discrimination that results from certain employer practices or procedures that, although not discriminatory on their face, have a discriminatory effect.

Answer 4

Disparate-Impact Discrimination

Question 5

A termination of employment brought about by making the employee’s working conditions so intolerable that the employee reasonably feels compelled to leave.

Answer 5

Constructive Discharge

Question 6

The demanding of sexual favors in return for job promotions or other benefits, or language or conduct that is so sexually offensive that it creates a hostile working environment.

Answer 6

Sexual Harassment

Question 7

A significant change in employment status or benefits, such as occurs when an employee is fired, refused a promotion, or reassigned to a lesser position.

Answer 7

Tangible Employment Action

Question 8

A defense to an allegation of employment discrimination in which the employer demonstrates that an employment practice that discriminates against members of a protected class is related to job performance.

Answer 8

Business Necessity

Question 9

An identifiable characteristic reasonably necessary to the normal operation of a particular business. Such characteristics can include gender, national origin, and religion, but not race.

Answer 9

Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ)

Question 10

A system in which those who have worked longest for an employer are first in line for promotions, salary increases, and other benefits, and are last to be laid off if the workforce must be reduced.

Answer 10

Seniority System

Question 11

Job-hiring policies that give special consideration to members of protected classes in an effort to overcome present effects of past discrimination.

Answer 11

Affirmative Action