{"id":357706,"date":"2016-04-04T10:45:26","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:45:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/employment\/employment-discrimination\/reverse-discrimination.html"},"modified":"2023-11-04T20:24:31","modified_gmt":"2023-11-05T01:24:31","slug":"reverse-discrimination","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/employment-discrimination\/reverse-discrimination.html","title":{"rendered":"Reverse Discrimination"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Reverse Discrimination<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Linda Sanabria, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aviana Cooper, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Reverse discrimination is a form of discrimination<\/a> affecting members of a majority instead of a minority. They may experience discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, or another protected characteristic. These types of discrimination claims typically arise in employment or education.<\/p>\r\n

Reverse discrimination is not expressly included in federal civil rights laws. However, these types of lawsuits are generally brought as discrimination cases. This is permissible under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964<\/a> and other statutes.<\/p>\r\n

Anti-discrimination laws were initially enacted to prevent discrimination against minority applicants. They also intended to protect groups who were historically disadvantaged. Due to the origin of these laws, misinformation had spread. Some falsely believe that these same laws do not protect members of majority groups. However, anti-discrimination laws generally prohibit all forms of discrimination based on protected characteristics. This includes discriminating against members of a majority group.<\/p>\r\n

What Is Reverse Discrimination?<\/h2>\r\n

Reverse discrimination occurs when a member of a majority experiences discrimination. Say a man sues an employer because a woman received favorable treatment for being a woman. Meanwhile, he received unfair treatment. This is one example of reverse discrimination. Examples of reverse discrimination employment decisions may include:<\/p>\r\n