Nondiscrimination

Nondiscrimination is the principle and practice of treating individuals equally and fairly without unjust or prohibited distinctions based on protected characteristics. It seeks to prevent unequal access to opportunities, services, and protections that arise from prejudice, bias, or structural inequality.

Protected characteristics and scope vary by jurisdiction but commonly include race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, and marital status. Nondiscrimination applies across many areas, including employment, housing, education, health care, and public accommodations, and it often overlaps with anti-harassment and anti-retaliation provisions.

Legal frameworks establish standards and remedies for nondiscrimination. National laws frequently prohibit discrimination in employment and housing and require reasonable accommodations for disabilities or religious practices. Notable examples include the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act in the United States, and comparable statutes in other countries. Internationally, instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and regional directives and charters articulate nondiscrimination as a fundamental principle. Enforcement mechanisms typically involve complaint processes, investigations, civil or administrative actions, and remedies such as damages, injunctions, or policy changes.

Policy and practice commonly adopt formal nondiscrimination policies, training, accessibility improvements, and accessible complaint channels. Rationale centers on equality before the law, social inclusion, and economic and social benefits from diverse participation. Ongoing debates address balancing nondiscrimination with other values, such as religious liberty or free expression, and concerns about exemptions, enforcement effectiveness, and the design of affirmative actions or accommodations.