antidiscrimination

Antidiscrimination refers to the set of laws, policies, and practices designed to prevent unfair treatment on the basis of protected characteristics and to promote equal opportunity. It covers settings such as employment, education, housing, healthcare, and public services, and applies at the individual and institutional levels. Antidiscrimination aims to ensure that people are judged on relevant qualifications rather than on attributes like race, gender, age, or disability.

Protected characteristics vary by jurisdiction but commonly include race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, disability, and marital status. Discrimination can be direct (explicitly treating someone differently) or indirect (policies that are neutral in wording but disadvantage a protected group). Harassment and retaliation for asserting rights are often addressed as part of antidiscrimination measures.

Legal frameworks typically combine international, regional, and national instruments. Internationally, human rights treaties condemn discrimination; regionally, courts and commissions interpret rights; nationally, anti-discrimination or equal opportunity laws prohibit specific discriminatory practices and provide remedies such as damages, reinstatement, or policy changes. Enforcement bodies may include courts, labor commissions, equality commissions, and inspectorates.

Policies to implement antidiscrimination include non-discrimination clauses in hiring and promotion, accessibility accommodations, support for affirmative action or affirmative measures where permitted, and education and training programs. Data collection and monitoring help identify persistent gaps. Critics sometimes debate balancing nondiscrimination with other values, such as freedom of expression or business interests, leading to ongoing policy refinement.

Overall, antidiscrimination seeks to create conditions for fair treatment and equal opportunity, while recognizing that eliminating discrimination is an ongoing process influenced by law, culture, and institutions.