What type of treatment arises from policies that disproportionately harm members of a protected group?

The term that best describes treatment arising from policies that disproportionately harm members of a protected group is "disparate impact." Disparate impact refers to policies or practices that, while neutral on their face, result in negative consequences for individuals based on their membership in a specific protected class. This means that even if the intention behind a policy is not discriminatory, the actual effect may still lead to significant disparities in outcomes for different groups.

Understanding this concept is crucial within the context of anti-discrimination laws and practices, as it highlights the importance of analyzing not just the intention behind policies but also their actual impact on various groups. This distinction can help in holding organizations accountable for unintended biases embedded in their procedures, thus ensuring fair treatment for all individuals, especially those belonging to protected classes.