What is considered an "unlawful employment practice" according to employment discrimination laws?

An "unlawful employment practice" refers to actions taken by an employer that violate employment discrimination laws, which are designed to protect individuals from unfair treatment in the workplace based on certain protected characteristics. The correct answer highlights that refusing to hire a candidate based on non-job-related factors constitutes an unlawful employment practice.

This is because employment laws prohibit discrimination based on characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and in some jurisdictions, sexual orientation and gender identity. When hiring decisions are made based on irrelevant factors that do not pertain to the candidate's ability to perform job functions, it can lead to discriminatory practices. Therefore, such actions are deemed unlawful as they undermine the principle of equal opportunity in employment.

In contrast, wage increases based on tenure, promoting an employee due to educational qualifications, and hiring decisions based on organizational needs can all be considered lawful practices, provided they are based on relevant and legitimate factors related to job performance and organizational objectives. These practices typically align with fair employment principles, as they consider qualifications and contributions relevant to the job, rather than relying on discriminatory criteria.