Legal Definitions - Protected class

A protected class refers to a group of individuals who share a common characteristic and are legally shielded by federal or state laws from unfair treatment, such as discrimination or retaliation. These laws are enacted to ensure equal opportunities and prevent adverse actions based on these specific, legally recognized attributes.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: Employment Discrimination Based on Race
  A highly qualified job applicant, who is a person of color, applies for a senior management position. Despite having superior qualifications and experience compared to other candidates, they are repeatedly passed over for interviews, while less qualified applicants from different racial backgrounds are interviewed and hired. If the company's hiring practices are found to systematically exclude individuals based on their race, this would be an instance of discrimination against a protected class.

  Explanation: Race is a characteristic specifically protected by federal anti-discrimination laws, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. The applicant, as a member of a racial minority, belongs to a protected class, and being denied employment opportunities because of their race would be illegal discrimination.

• Example 2: Housing Discrimination Based on Familial Status
  A young couple with two small children attempts to rent an apartment in a building that advertises "no children allowed." The landlord explicitly states that they do not rent to families with children because they are "too noisy and cause too much wear and tear."

  Explanation: Familial status (the presence of children under 18 in a household) is a protected characteristic under the federal Fair Housing Act. The couple, by virtue of having children, belongs to a protected class. The landlord's refusal to rent to them solely because they have children constitutes unlawful discrimination based on their familial status.

• Example 3: Public Accommodation Discrimination Based on Religion
  A woman wearing a headscarf as part of her religious practice tries to enter a private club that is open to the public. The club manager stops her at the door and says, "We don't allow religious head coverings inside; it's against our dress code."

  Explanation: Religion is a protected characteristic under federal civil rights laws governing public accommodations. The woman, by practicing her religion through her attire, is a member of a protected class. Denying her entry or service based on her religious expression would be illegal discrimination.