Which of the following is a protected characteristic under EEO laws?

Gender is indeed a protected characteristic under Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws. These laws prohibit discrimination based on specific attributes, including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and genetic information. The inclusion of gender as a protected characteristic is crucial in ensuring that individuals are treated fairly in the workplace, without bias based on their sex or gender identity.

In contrast, experience level, job performance, and education level are not protected characteristics under EEO laws. While these factors can influence hiring and promotion decisions, they do not fall under the categories that the EEO protects. Consequently, an employer may consider experience, performance, and education when making employment decisions, as those are typically considered relevant qualifications rather than bases for discrimination.