Final answer:
The 14th Amendment and federal statutes require equal protection for classifications such as race, gender, and national origin, so the correct answer is D. All of the above.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 14th Amendment and federal statutes require equal protection based on various classifications, including race, gender, and national origin. Therefore, the answer to the student's question is D. All of the above.
The Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment was designed to prevent discrimination by ensuring that all people are treated equally under the law without regard to these classifications.
This protection has been interpreted over time to include inequalities based on sex, color, ethnicity, and other attributes, reinforcing the principle that the government should not deny equal protection to any groups.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 further outlawed discrimination and supported the principles established by the 14th Amendment by prohibiting segregation and ensuring equal employment opportunities.