Question

-up/Bellringer/Do Now
Discrimination occurs when people are treated differently than others because they are a part of a group with shared characteristics like race, age, gender, religion, or appearance.
The following situations involve some form of discrimination. For each, decide whether the discrimination is reasonable and should be allowed or is unreasonable and should not be allowed.
Explain your reasons. Write in 2 sentences each in a 6th graders response


1. An airline requires its pilot to retire at age 60.
2. Veterans receive preference in applying for government jobs.
3. An expensive seafood restaurant requires that its servers wear tuxedos.
The restaurant hires only male wait staff.
4. Latinos and African Americans are charged higher interest rates for home loans compared to whites with the same credit scores.

Answer 1

1. This can be reasonable and allowed because flying needs very good health and quick reactions, and safety for passengers is most important. But it might feel unfair to older pilots who are still healthy, so airlines should also check abilities, not only age.

2. This is reasonable and allowed because veterans served the country and giving them some help finding government jobs is a way to thank them. It should still be fair to other people and the job should go to the most qualified person.

3. Requiring servers to wear tuxedos is reasonable and allowed because a restaurant can set a dress code to look fancy, but they should make sure the clothes fit and work for everyone. Hiring only male wait staff is unreasonable and should not be allowed because it unfairly leaves out women and other genders who can do the job just as well.

4. This is unreasonable and should not be allowed because charging higher rates just because of someone’s race is unfair and hurts families trying to buy homes. Lenders should decide rates by fair things like credit and income, not a person’s race.