Protected Classes
Protected Classes
Anti-Discrimination Laws: Understanding Protected Classes
Federal anti-discrimination laws are designed to make sure people are treated fairly at work.
These laws prohibit employers from making decisions based on certain personal characteristics, often called protected classes.
Protected characteristics include:
- Race
- Color
- Religion
- Sex
- National origin
- Age
- Disability
- Genetic information
The main federal law covering many of these protections is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Many states also have their own anti-discrimination laws, and some provide broader protections than federal law.
Two protected classes are especially important for people living with dementia: age and disability.
Quick Links