Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which of the following is a protected class?

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination in employment based on specific protected classes. Among these, race is explicitly listed as a protected characteristic. This means that it is illegal for employers to make employment decisions based on an individual's race, as such discrimination undermines both fairness in the workplace and the fundamental values of equality and justice in society.

The other options provided do not fall under the protections specified by Title VII. Marital status, socioeconomic status, and political affiliation are not recognized as protected classes under this particular piece of legislation. Although certain states or localities may have their own laws that provide protections against discrimination based on those characteristics, they are not encompassed by Title VII at the federal level. Thus, race stands out as the correct and applicable answer regarding protected classes under this law.