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Glossary > Employment Law > Employment Rights > Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
Legal Disclaimers

Protected Class

In plain English, a protected class in the context of employment law refers to a group of people who are safeguarded by specific laws from discrimination and unfair treatment in the workplace based on characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.

Example #1

For instance, if an employer refuses to hire someone because of their race, that individual is protected under the law as part of a protected class.

Example #2

Another example would be if a pregnant employee is demoted solely due to her pregnancy, she is also considered part of a protected class and is entitled to legal protections.

Misuse

It's crucial to protect against the misuse of categorizing employees or job applicants based on factors unrelated to their qualifications or performance. For example, if an employer decides not to promote a qualified employee solely based on their age, it could lead to a violation of employment laws protecting against age discrimination within protected classes. This misuse undermines the principles of fairness and equality in the workplace that CAP advocates for.

Benefits

The benefit of protecting individuals within specific classes is promoting a fair and inclusive work environment where individuals are judged based on their skills and abilities rather than inherent characteristics. For instance, by ensuring that individuals are not discriminated against based on factors like race or disability, companies can harness a diverse workforce, leading to increased innovation, creativity, and productivity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, safeguarding protected classes under employment law is essential for creating a just and equitable workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive based on merit and not discriminatory factors. Upholding these protections aligns with CAP's values of fairness, transparency, and empowering employees within the marketplace.

Related Terms

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)Title VIIAmericans With Disabilities Act (ADA)Age Discrimination In Employment Act (ADEA)

Last Modified: 4/30/2024
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