Final answer:
Religion seems to be the legally protected ground violated in this situation. Therefore the correct answer is option c. religion.
Step-by-step explanation:
In this scenario, the legally protected ground that appears to be violated is religion (c). Religious discrimination occurs when an individual is treated unfavorably due to their religious beliefs, and it is prohibited by federal laws enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). These laws aim to ensure that employees are not subjected to discrimination on the basis of their religious affiliations.
Religious discrimination encompasses a range of actions, such as unfair treatment, harassment, or denial of reasonable accommodations for religious practices. The EEOC plays a crucial role in investigating complaints related to religious discrimination and taking appropriate legal action against violators.
While discrimination based on age (a), family status (b), and marital status (d) are also legally protected grounds, they do not appear to be implicated in this particular scenario. The focus here is on religious discrimination, which involves the unjust treatment of an individual because of their religious beliefs.
Employers are obligated to provide a workplace environment that is free from discrimination, including religious discrimination. They must reasonably accommodate employees' religious practices unless it imposes an undue hardship on the business. Individuals who believe they have been subjected to religious discrimination can file a complaint with the EEOC, which will then investigate the matter and take appropriate measures to address any violations of the law. Overall, enforcing these legal protections ensures a fair and inclusive workplace for all employees, regardless of their religious background.