What do "protected classes" refer to in employment law?

"Protected classes" in employment law refer specifically to groups of individuals who are shielded from discrimination in the workplace based on certain characteristics. These characteristics typically include race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, and sometimes sexual orientation or veteran status, among others. The primary aim of designating these groups as "protected" is to prevent unfair treatment in hiring, promotions, compensation, and other employment-related activities.

Laws such as the Civil Rights Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Age Discrimination in Employment Act support the rights of these protected classes, ensuring that individuals are evaluated for their job performance and qualifications rather than their inherent traits. This legal framework is crucial in fostering an inclusive workplace where diversity is valued and discrimination is actively pushed back against.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately reflect the legal definition of "protected classes." Classes receiving additional training or having special job opportunities are not safeguarded against discrimination. Similarly, groups of workers with higher salaries do not constitute a protected class under employment law; rather, they may be a reflection of a disproportionate advantage that could arise from discriminatory practices, which is what the concept of protected classes seeks to address.