Sep 2, 2024 · The term “protected class” refers to groups of people who are legally protected from being harmed or harassed by laws, practices, and policies that discriminate against them due to a shared …

A protected group, protected class (US), or prohibited ground (Canada) is a category by which people are qualified for special protection by a law, policy, or similar authority.

Jan 30, 2024 · What Is a Protected Class? A “protected class” refers to people shielded against discrimination under federal, state, or local laws.

Applicants, employees and former employees are protected from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or transgender status), national …

Dec 15, 2025 · The federal government has established specific legal categories, known as protected classes, to prevent discrimination against individuals in various areas of life. These protections are …

Jun 13, 2025 · Unlawful discrimination is when a person is treated unfairly based on protected characteristics. A protected class is a group of people protected from discrimination based on …

A protected class is a category of individuals legally safeguarded from discrimination or retaliation under federal or state law. Protected classes are identified by characteristics such as race, color, national …

Dec 6, 2025 · What Are Protected Classes? A protected class is a group of people who share a common characteristic and are legally shielded from discrimination based on that characteristic. These …

A protected class is not a “special interest group”; it's a fundamental principle of American fairness, rooted in a long and difficult history of fighting for equality. It ensures that who you are—your race, …

Explore protected class definitions and how they relate to discrimination and harassment.