IREM Certified Property Manager (CPM) Practice Test 2026 – All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Disparate treatment refers to a form of discrimination where individuals are treated differently based on certain protected characteristics, such as race, gender, or religion. This type of discrimination is characterized by intentional actions that result in less favorable treatment of a person or group compared to others. For example, if an employer deliberately chooses not to hire a qualified candidate because of their race, this is an instance of disparate treatment.

The distinction lies in the intentional nature of the discrimination in disparate treatment, as it contrasts with adverse impact, which may result from neutral policies that inadvertently affect a particular group more negatively, despite no intent to discriminate. Therefore, identifying disparate treatment is crucial, as it indicates a clear violation of equal employment opportunity laws where the intent to discriminate plays a significant role.

In summary, the concept of disparate treatment being rooted in intentional discrimination is fundamental in understanding how workplace discrimination operates and is addressed legally. This understanding is vital in ensuring compliance with employment laws and promoting fair treatment across all employment practices.