reverse discrimination

noun

1. the unfair treatment of members of majority groups resulting from preferential policies, as in college admissions or employment, intended to remedy earlier discrimination against minorities.

Word History and Origins

Origin of reverse discrimination¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

But the promise of the debt relief program was dashed after groups representing white farmers filed lawsuits to block it, arguing that the federal government was engaging in reverse discrimination by awarding money based on race.

From New York Times

And by keeping the decision narrow, it headed off this burgeoning effort among conservative lawyers and lower courts to repurpose Title VII as a weapon against “reverse discrimination,” to kill programs that make sure women and people of color can get a fair shake in the workplace.

From Slate

While the 1981 statute had been used well before the latest affirmative action ruling to prove reverse discrimination, Alphonso David, Fearless Fund’s legal counsel who serves as president & CEO of The Global Black Economic Forum, said that there’s a “coordinated use of Section 1981 now that we did not see before.”

From Seattle Times

People variously worried about the impact on the economy, whether Indians would be treated fairly, and whether special tribal rights were justified or amounted to reverse discrimination.

From Seattle Times

Anti-feminist feeling has also increased in recent years - particularly among young men who feel they have been disadvantaged by reverse discrimination.

From BBC