Question

An organization needed to hire 15 new advertising sales agents. The applicant pool consisted of 50 African American males and 50 White males. Of the 100 applicants, the organization hired 5 of the African American males and 10 of the White males. Is there evidence of disparate impact?

Answer 1

The four-fifth rule was established since the 1970s after different discriminatory practices were evidenced that had serious impacts on minority or vulnerable populations.

This rule dictates that a selection rate for any minority group that is less than four-fifths (80%) of the group with the highest rate is evidence of disparate impact.

Answer

Yes, there is evidence of disparate impact, as the selection rate for African American males is 10%, which represents 50% of the selection rate for white American males, which is 20%