Federal employment discrimination law comes largely from Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It prevents discrimination in the workplace on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, or national origin. It applies to all aspects of the employment relationship, from hiring, promotion, firing, etc. The first type of claim that arose from this legislation was a disparate treatment claim. What does that mean? What is a plaintiff basically claiming if he/she brings such a suit?

A defense for the employer to a disparate treatment claim is that there exists a valid bona fide occupational qualification for that position. What does that mean? When might it apply? Give an example.