Defining Harassment, Discrimination, and Bias

This lesson clarifies the terms harassment, discrimination, and bias, with examples of what constitutes each in the workplace. Learners will understand the differences, how they manifest, and why recognizing them is the first step toward a respectful, inclusive environment.
Defining Harassment, Discrimination, and Bias
This lesson clarifies the terms harassment, discrimination, and bias, with examples of what constitutes each in the workplace. Learners will understand the differences, how they manifest, and why recognizing them is the first step toward a respectful, inclusive environment.

Overview

Harassment is unwelcome conduct based on a protected characteristic that creates a hostile work environment or interferes with work performance. It can be verbal, written, or physical and may occur in person or online.

Discrimination involves unequal treatment in employment decisions based on protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or national origin. It can appear in hiring, promotions, pay, assignments, or access to opportunities.

Bias refers to attitudes, beliefs, or stereotypes that influence judgments and actions. It can be conscious or unconscious and may contribute to unfair outcomes even without explicit intent.

Protected characteristics include race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, and other legally protected statuses.

Course Content
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