The original, neutral sense of discrimination, "the act of distinguishing," came into English by the early 17th century, followed by the positive one associated with superior discernment in the 18th century. Discrimination in the "prejudice" sense has been in use since the early 19th century, almost 200 years ago.
The following definitions are from the University of California – Anti-Discrimination Policy. Discrimination is defined as an Unfavorable Action taken because of an individual's actual or perceived Protected Category. Here are additional definitions as it relates to discrimination: Unfavorable Action.
A simplified description of the legal definition of discrimination is when a person is treated disfavourably or when a person's dignity is violated.
Definition. Discrimination happens when a person, or a group of people, is treated less favourably than another person or group because of their background or certain personal characteristics.
Discrimination is the unfair or prejudicial treatment of people and groups based on characteristics such as race, gender, age, or sexual orientation.
To treat a person or particular group of people differently, especially in a worse way from the way in which you treat other people, because of their race, gender, sexuality, etc.: be discriminated against She felt she had been discriminated against because of her age.
A simplified description of the legal definition of discrimination is when a person is treated disfavourably or when a person's dignity is violated. The disfavourable treatment or the violation of a person's dignity must also be related to one of the seven grounds of discrimination.
Direct discrimination - treating someone with a protected characteristic less favourably than others.
Include the following in your complaint letter: Your name, address and telephone number. The name, address, and telephone number of your attorney or authorized representative, if you are represented. The basis of your complaint. The date(s) that the incident(s) you are reporting as discrimination occurred.