Which concept allows a minimum job qualification to be necessary for performance and is permitted under anti-discrimination laws?

• A. Disparate treatment theory
• B. Quid pro quo harassment
• C. Bona fide occupational qualification
• D. Hostile work environment

Answer: (C)

Bona fide occupational qualification allows a minimum job qualification to be necessary for performance and is permitted under anti-discrimination laws. When a job’s essential duties require a particular characteristic, an employer may lawfully require it even if that would exclude a protected group. For example, certain roles may legitimately demand specific gender, religion, or national origin when those characteristics are essential to the job’s nature or duties. Disparate treatment describes intentional discrimination, while quid pro quo harassment and hostile work environment describe harassment rather than job qualifications, so they don’t provide a lawful basis for restricting qualifications.