What is a Protected Class?

A Protected Class refers to a group of individuals who are protected from discrimination by law. In the United States, these classes are defined by federal and state laws, and can include race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, and others. These laws prohibit discrimination in areas such as employment, housing, and education on the basis of membership in a protected class. The laws also prohibit retaliation against individuals who assert their rights under these laws or participate in an investigation or lawsuit related to discrimination.

Protected Class status is generally not based on individual merit or conduct, but rather on inherent characteristics that are often immutable and unrelated to the individual’s qualifications for a job or other opportunities.

Components of Protected Class

In the United States, the Protected Classes are defined by federal and state laws and are based on certain characteristics, such as:

  1. Race: Protection against discrimination based on a person’s race or ethnicity.
  2. Color: Protection against discrimination based on a person’s skin color.
  3. National Origin: Protection against discrimination based on a person’s place of birth or ancestry.
  4. Sex: Protection against discrimination based on a person’s gender or sex.
  5. Religion: Protection against discrimination based on a person’s religious beliefs or practices.
  6. Age: Protection against discrimination against individuals who are over the age of 40.
  7. Disability: Protection against discrimination against individuals who have a physical or mental disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
  8. Pregnancy: Protection against discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.
  9. Sexual Orientation: Protection against discrimination based on a person’s sexual orientation.
  10. Gender Identity: Protection against discrimination based on a person’s gender identity.
  11. Genetic Information: Protection against discrimination based on genetic information.

What is the use of Protected Class?

The use of Protected Class status is intended to address and prevent discrimination in areas such as employment, housing, and education.

  1. Employment: Employers are prohibited from discriminating against job applicants or employees on the basis of protected class status. This includes discrimination in hiring, promotion, pay, job assignments, and termination.
  2. Housing: Landlords and property owners are prohibited from discriminating against tenants or potential tenants on the basis of protected class status. This includes discrimination in rental and sales transactions, as well as in the provision of services and facilities.
  3. Education: Schools and educational institutions are prohibited from discriminating against students on the basis of protected class status. This includes discrimination in admissions, access to programs and services, and discipline.

The use of Protected Class status also applies to government programs and activities, as well as in other areas such as credit, insurance, and voting.