Which of the following describes “discrimination” in an employment context?

Discrimination in an employment context refers to the unfair treatment of individuals based on characteristics that are protected by law, such as race, gender, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. Option B accurately captures this definition, as it emphasizes that the unfair treatment is specifically aligned with these protected characteristics.

The other options describe practices that do not constitute discrimination as they pertain to fairness and equality in the workplace. Providing raises based on seniority is a common practice that rewards employee loyalty and experience rather than unfairly discriminating against any characteristic. Enforcing dress codes uniformly ensures that all employees are held to the same standard, which promotes fairness rather than discrimination. Offering additional training for career advancement can be part of a professional development strategy that does not inherently discriminate based on protected characteristics, especially if such opportunities are accessible to all eligible employees.

Therefore, option B best represents the essence of discrimination in an employment context, focusing on the unfair treatment linked to protected characteristics.