What are the 9 federally protected classes?
Asked by: Astrid Dare | Last update: July 3, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (59 votes)
Federally protected classes are groups of people legally protected from discrimination under federal law, primarily in employment, housing, and public accommodations. While some definitions vary slightly, the primary federally protected characteristics are: race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, and veteran/military status.
What are the nine federally protected classes?
Applicants, employees and former employees are protected from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or transgender status), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history).
What are the 9 main protected characteristics?
Under the UK Equality Act 2010, the nine protected characteristics are age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. Discrimination based on these, in employment or services, is unlawful.
What are the 9 prohibited bases of discrimination?
According to Section 2302(b) of Title 5 of the United States Code, any employee who has authority to take, direct others to take, recommend or approve personnel actions may not: Discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or political affiliation.
What are the 9 grounds of discrimination?
The Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 promotes equality and outlaws discrimination at work. The acts prohibit direct and indirect discrimination in employment on nine grounds: gender, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race, and membership of the traveller community.
HR Basics: 9-Protected Classes 2e
What are the 9 protected characteristics where discrimination is prohibited?
This law provides protection from harassment or discrimination in employment because of: age (40 and over), ancestry, color, religious creed, denial of family and medical care leave, disability (mental and physical) including HIV and AIDS, marital status, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), national ...
What are the 10 types of discrimination?
Ten types of discrimination
- Age discrimination. ...
- Disability. ...
- Gender/sexual orientation. ...
- Gender identity/gender expression. ...
- Genetic information. ...
- Military status/military obligations. ...
- National origin. ...
- Religion.
What are the 7 types of discrimination?
Based on UK Equality Act 2010 definitions, the seven types of discrimination include direct, associative, perceptive, indirect, harassment, third-party harassment, and victimisation. These types define how individuals are unfairly treated due to protected characteristics like race, gender, age, or disability, often in workplace or service settings.
What are title 9 simple terms?
Title IX is a 1972 federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education programs and activities that receive federal funding. It ensures equal opportunity in academics and athletics, protecting students and employees from sexual harassment, sexual violence, and discrimination based on gender identity or pregnancy.
What is the 80% rule in discrimination?
In essence, it states that the hiring rate for any protected group – distinguished by race, gender, or age – should be at least 80% of the hiring rate of the most selected group.
What are the 9 principles of the Equality Act 2010?
Under the Equality Act 2010, there are 9 protected characteristics which are; age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
What is an example of ADHD discrimination?
ADHD discrimination includes direct actions like firing or refusing to hire someone due to their diagnosis, and indirect actions like enforcing rigid policies that disproportionately disadvantage neurodivergent employees. Common examples include denying "reasonable accommodations" (e.g., flexible hours, quiet workspace), harassment, bullying, and calling employees "lazy" or "incompetent" for typical ADHD symptoms.
What does "protected" mean legally?
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 origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, and disability.
What is the most protected class in America?
What Are the Top Seven Protected Classes?
- Race and Color. Race discrimination constitutes treating an employee or job applicant unfavorably based on their specific race. ...
- Religion. ...
- Sex (Gender) ...
- National Origin. ...
- Disability. ...
- Genetic Information.
What are the 9 protected characteristics and what do they mean?
On this page AgeDisabilityGender reassignmentMarriage and civil partnershipPregnancy and maternityRaceReligion or beliefSexSexual orientation. In the Equality Act 2010, nine characteristics were identified as 'protected characteristics'.
What are 6 examples of civil rights?
Civil rights protect an individual's right to equal social opportunities and equal protection under the law. The right to equal employment, a fair trial, public education, public facility access, marriage equality, and freedom of religion are examples of civil rights.
Why is it called Erin's law?
Erin's Law is named after Erin Merryn, a childhood sexual assault survivor and activist. After enduring years of abuse, she dedicated her life to advocacy. She successfully lobbied her home state of Illinois in 2009 to pass legislation requiring public schools to teach age-appropriate sexual abuse prevention.
What are the 7 types of harassment?
7 Types of Workplace Harassment and Effective Prevention Measures
- Discriminatory harassment: ...
- Personal harassment: ...
- Power harassment: ...
- Cyberbullying: ...
- Retaliation harassment: ...
- Sexual harassment: ...
- Verbal harassment:
Is Title 9 a federal law?
Yes, Title IX is a federal civil rights law in the United States, enacted as part of the Education Amendments of 1972. It prohibits sex-based discrimination—including sexual harassment, violence, and pregnancy discrimination—in any education program or activity that receives federal financial assistance.
What are the 4 types of discrimination?
Four primary types of discrimination, commonly recognized in legal and workplace settings, include direct discrimination (treating someone less favorably based on a protected characteristic), indirect discrimination (policies that disadvantage a group), harassment (offensive behavior), and victimization (unfair treatment for raising a complaint).
What is Section 13 of the Equality Act?
(1)A person (A) discriminates against another (B) if, because of a protected characteristic, A treats B less favourably than A treats or would treat others.
What are the 8 types of discrimination?
The 8 Most Common Forms of Workplace Discrimination – Examples of Workplace Discrimination
- Age (for those 40 and older),
- Ancestry,
- Color,
- Disability,
- Gender identity or expression,
- Genetic information,
- Marital status,
- Military status,
What are 5 examples of discrimination?
Discrimination involves treating people unfairly based on protected characteristics like race, age, or disability. Common examples include:
What are the 7 types of gender inequality?
The document discusses seven types of gender inequality: mortality, natality, basic facility, special opportunity, professional, ownership, and household inequality.
What are microaggressions?
Microaggressions are subtle, everyday verbal, nonverbal, or environmental slights, snubs, or insults directed at individuals from historically marginalized or underrepresented groups. While they can sometimes be intentional, they are frequently unintentional and stem from unconscious biases or deeply ingrained stereotypes.