Discrimination based on disability is reviewed under which standard?

• A. Strict Scrutiny
• B. Rational Basis
• C. Intermediate Scrutiny
• D. Heightened Scrutiny

Answer: (B)

Disability classifications get rational basis review under the Equal Protection Clause. The Supreme Court has long treated disability as not a suspect or quasi-suspect class, so the government only needs a legitimate interest and a rational connection between the discrimination and that interest. The challenger bears the burden to show there is no conceivable legitimate purpose for the distinction. Courts give broad deference to lawmakers, and many disability-based distinctions survive unless no plausible justification exists. A leading illustration is City of Cleburne v. Cleburne Living Center, which reaffirmed that disability classifications are not subject to heightened scrutiny, reinforcing that rational basis is the standard.