What term refers to the practice of favoring individuals from previously discriminated groups?

The term that best refers to the practice of favoring individuals from previously discriminated groups is affirmative action. This concept encompasses policies and practices designed to promote equal opportunity and increase representation for underrepresented groups in various sectors, including education and employment. Affirmative action aims to counteract the effects of past discrimination by ensuring that individuals from these groups receive fair consideration and opportunities.

In contrast, reverse discrimination typically describes a situation where individuals from historically majority or non-disadvantaged groups face disadvantages in favor of those from previously discriminated groups, suggesting a reversal of traditional discrimination. Positive discrimination is a term that can also refer to similar practices, but it is less commonly used and may not capture the full breadth of affirmative action's legal and social objectives. Civil rights enforcement, while related to the broader context of ensuring equal rights and combating discrimination, does not specifically denote the practice of favoring individuals from previously discriminated groups.