Which term describes the unlawful treatment of an individual based on race, color, or other characteristics?

The term that best describes the unlawful treatment of an individual based on race, color, or other characteristics is discrimination. Discrimination refers to the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, often based on specific attributes such as race, gender, age, or disability. It highlights actions that result in unfair treatment in various settings, including workplaces, education, and public services.

In contrast, affirmative action refers to policies intended to improve opportunities for historically marginalized groups, whereas harassment involves unwanted or aggressive behavior that creates a hostile environment. Injustice is a broader term that indicates a lack of fairness and can apply to various situations, but it does not specifically denote the legal framework or context of discriminatory acts. Thus, discrimination is the most precise term for unlawful treatment based on race and similar characteristics.