What standard was violated when Mrs. Dey was discouraged from pursuing a leadership position due to her age?

The situation described highlights a violation of age discrimination principles, which are typically protected under various employment laws and educational policies. The principal's discouragement of Mrs. Dey from pursuing a leadership position based solely on her age is a direct example of age bias.

This type of behavior is against the premise of equal opportunity in the workplace, where individuals should be evaluated based on their qualifications and abilities rather than arbitrary factors like age. Discrimination on the basis of age can undermine a person's career advancement and contribute to a toxic work environment where older adults may feel undervalued or excluded.

In this case, it is the principal's actions that violated the standard by not considering Mrs. Dey's capabilities and potential for leadership roles solely due to her age, thereby perpetuating ageist attitudes and undermining the principles of equitable treatment.