Protected class

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Protected class is a term used in United States anti-discrimination law. The term describes groups of people who are protected from discrimination and harassment. The following characteristics are considered "Protected Classes" and persons cannot be discriminated against based on these characteristics:

• Race - Federal: Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Ethnicity
• Religion or sect - Federal: Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Color - Federal: Civil Rights Act of 1964
• National origin - Federal: Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Age (40 and over) - Federal: Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967
• Sex - Federal: Equal Pay Act of 1963 & Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Sexual orientation (in some jurisdictions and not in others)
• Disability status - Federal: Vocational Rehabilitation and Other Rehabilitation Services of 1973 & Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
• Veteran status - Federal Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974
• Political affiliation

In some specific cases (for example, housing), additional classes may be protected. For example, it may be illegal to discriminate against people with/without children when renting or selling housing.

[edit] See also

• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
• Civil Rights Act of 1968 -- In particular, Title VIII of the Act, also known as the Fair Housing Act
• Affirmative action

[edit] External Links

• 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution