What does the term "protected class" refer to in EEO law?

The term "protected class" refers to a classification of individuals that Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws are designed to protect from discrimination. This includes groups of people who have historically experienced discrimination based on certain characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and genetic information.

The purpose of identifying these protected classes is to ensure that individuals in these groups are treated fairly and without bias in employment decisions such as hiring, promotions, and terminations. EEO laws aim to prevent discrimination and promote equality in the workplace, addressing historical injustices and ensuring that all individuals have an equal opportunity to succeed in employment.

In contrast, other options do not accurately capture the meaning of "protected class." The idea of exempt groups from EEO laws does not align with the law's intent to protect individuals. Additionally, defining a protected class as simply "any employee" disregards the specific legal protections afforded to certain groups and does not capture the essence of what a protected class is. Lastly, excluding non-citizens from a protected category does not reflect the purpose of EEO laws, which seek to include all individuals regardless of citizenship in the effort to eliminate discrimination in the workplace.