Disparate Impact refers to a legal theory used to demonstrate that a policy or practice, while seemingly neutral, disproportionately affects a particular group based on characteristics such as race, gender, or age. This concept is often applied in areas like employment, housing, and education to identify unintentional discrimination.
In the context of civil rights, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act allows individuals to challenge practices that may not explicitly discriminate but still result in unequal outcomes. Organizations must ensure their policies do not inadvertently disadvantage specific groups, promoting fairness and equality in opportunities.