Workplace discrimination can take many forms; some of them are obvious and some aren’t. As an introduction to Title VII, let’s consider how issues of race, color, and national origin might arise.

A nurse worked at a hospital, which adopted a no-beard policy for all male employees. In announcing the policy, the hospital administration explained that clean-shaven employees would project a more professional image than employees with beards. The hospital offered no medical or safety reason for the...