Title VII protections apply to discrimination based on which characteristics?

• A. Race, color, religion, sex, or national origin
• B. Age
• C. Disability
• D. Gender identity

Answer: (A)

Title VII prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. These five characteristics are the protected classes specified by the law, so actions like hiring, firing, pay, or promotion decisions cannot be biased for any of these reasons. Age and disability are protected, but under different statutes—the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, respectively. Gender identity is related to sex discrimination and is addressed in modern interpretations under that category, but the standard Title VII list focuses on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. That’s why this answer is the best choice.