Employment discrimination occurs when an employer treats a job applicant or employee unfairly based on certain characteristics, such as race, gender, age, disability, or religion. This unfair treatment can manifest in various ways, including hiring practices, promotions, job assignments, and termination decisions. Laws, such as the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, aim to protect individuals from employment discrimination. These laws require employers to provide equal opportunities and prohibit discriminatory practices in the workplace, ensuring that all individuals have a fair chance to succeed based on their qualifications and abilities.