Final answer:
Race and religion are considered protected classes because organizations are not allowed to collect information about them, they can be used to personally identify someone, people use these groups as the basis for their identities, and these groups have been used for discrimination in the past.
Step-by-step explanation:
Race and religion are considered protected classes for several reasons:
- Organizations are legally not allowed to collect information about these groups. This is to prevent discrimination based on race or religion during the hiring process. For example, employers cannot ask about someone's race or religion during a job interview.
- These groups can be used to personally identify someone. Race and religion are aspects of a person's identity that can be used to distinguish and categorize individuals. Protecting these groups helps prevent discrimination against individuals based on these personal characteristics.
- People use these groups as the basis for their identities. Race and religion can play a significant role in someone's sense of self and identity. Protecting these groups acknowledges and respects individuals' right to identify and express themselves based on their race or religion.
- These groups have been used as the basis for wholesale discrimination. Throughout history, race and religion have been grounds for discrimination and mistreatment of certain groups. Protecting these classes helps address historical injustices and promote equality.