What is a legitimate defense in an intentional discrimination case?

In an intentional discrimination case, a legitimate defense focuses on providing a clear and credible counter to the plaintiff's allegations, demonstrating that the employer acted based on lawful and valid reasons rather than discriminatory motives. This could encompass evidence such as performance metrics, adherence to company policy, or testimony illustrating that the decision made was reasonable and non-discriminatory. By successfully presenting such an explanation, the employer can effectively defend itself against claims of intentional discrimination.

The other options do not serve as legitimate defenses in this context. A formal apology does not negate the plaintiff's claims or address the legal standards at issue. A reassessment of the hiring manager's responsibilities, while potentially relevant for internal review, does not provide a legal defense against allegations of discrimination. Similarly, simply referencing company policy is inadequate unless it can be shown that those policies were applied fairly and without bias in the specific case at hand. Hence, providing a well-structured counter to the allegations is essential for a legitimate defense.