Question

Which is a protected class according to the discrimination policy? (e.g. which can not be discriminated or stereotyped against, even if the stereotype is positive?)

A. age
B. caste
C. sexual orientation
D. religion

Answer 1

The protected classes according to the discrimination policy in the question are age, sexual orientation, and religion. These are enforced by the EEOC and are explicitly listed in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Caste is not a recognized protected class under U.S. federal employment discrimination laws.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to federal law, particularly the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and subsequent rulings and legislation, there are several protected classes that cannot be discriminated against in the workplace. Among these, the options provided in the question include age, sexual orientation, and religion. Each one of these is recognized as a protected class under federal law. Caste is not recognized as a protected class under U.S. federal employment discrimination laws.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces laws that prohibit job discrimination based on age (40 or older), race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or genetic information. In particular, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act explicitly prohibits discrimination based on race, gender (which includes sexual orientation and gender identity as of a 2020 Supreme Court ruling), national origin, and religion.

Therefore, the correct answer to which of the provided options is a protected class would be A. age, C. sexual orientation, and D. religion.

Answer 2

Age, sexual orientation, and religion are protected classes according to U.S. federal anti-discrimination laws and policies, as enforced by the EEOC and outlined in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Step-by-step explanation:

The protected class according to the discrimination policy which cannot be discriminated or stereotyped against, even if the stereotype is positive, includes: age, sexual orientation, and religion.

In accordance with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), it is illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee based on specific protected characteristics. These characteristics include race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information. Importantly, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 also prohibits discrimination in employment on these grounds. Furthermore, a 2020 Supreme Court ruling expanded federal protections to include private sector employees from discrimination related to sexual orientation and gender identity. Discrimination is not just about singling out for negative treatment; even positive stereotypes can lead to discrimination and are thus prohibited by law. While caste is not a protected class in U.S. federal law, it is vital to recognize age, sexual orientation, and religion as areas where discrimination policies apply strictly.