Legal Definitions - disproportionate impact

Disproportionate impact refers to a situation where a policy or practice appears to be neutral, but it has a negative effect on a particular group of people. This group may be defined by their race, gender, age, disability, or other characteristics.

For example, a company may require all job applicants to have a high school diploma. This policy may seem fair, but it could disproportionately impact people from low-income families who may not have had the same educational opportunities as others. This could result in fewer people from this group being hired, even if they are qualified for the job.

Another example is a city zoning law that requires all new buildings to have a certain amount of parking spaces. This policy may seem reasonable, but it could disproportionately impact people with disabilities who may not be able to drive or afford a car. This could result in fewer housing options for people with disabilities in that area.

These examples illustrate how a seemingly neutral policy or practice can have a negative impact on a particular group of people. It is important to consider the potential impact of policies and practices to ensure that they do not unfairly disadvantage certain groups.