Which of the following is a form of differential treatment based on protected characteristics?

Discrimination based on disability is a clear example of differential treatment rooted in protected characteristics. Under laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), individuals are afforded certain rights and protections against unfair treatment based on their disabilities. This kind of discrimination involves treating someone unfavorably because they have a disability, which differentiates them from others and can create barriers to equal opportunities in the workplace.

The other options presented do not involve differential treatment linked to protected characteristics. Affection toward a coworker may reflect personal feelings and does not inherently imply bias against any group. Positive recognition for good work is a reward for performance rather than a judgment based on a protected characteristic. Job assignments based on seniority reflect a common and acceptable practice in many workplaces aimed at rewarding experience and tenure, rather than an unfair differentiation based on characteristics like race, gender, age, or disability. This distinction is vital for understanding which behaviors or policies constitute discrimination in the context of workplace rights and protections.