What term describes unfair treatment of individuals based on their beliefs or identity?

The term that appropriately describes unfair treatment of individuals based on their beliefs or identity is discrimination. Discrimination refers to the differential treatment of individuals or groups based on attributes such as race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or other identity markers. This treatment often manifests in unequal access to resources and opportunities and is characterized by actions or policies that disadvantage certain individuals or groups.

While persecution refers specifically to the systematic oppression and ill-treatment often linked to punishment for beliefs or identity, it tends to imply a more severe, violent, or oppressive context rather than the broader concept of unfair treatment. Segregation focuses more on the physical separation of groups and may not encompass the broader notion of unfair treatment. Prejudice deals more with preconceived opinions or attitudes about individuals or groups but does not directly address the actions of treating them unfairly based on those beliefs or identities.