According to the Equal Employment Opportunity law, what is a protected characteristic?

The correct answer encompasses a comprehensive list of protected characteristics as defined under the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws. Specifically, the EEO laws protect individuals from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, and disability.

This array of protected characteristics aims to promote equality in the workplace, ensuring that individuals have equal access to employment opportunities regardless of their inherent traits or personal circumstances. These protections extend to various forms of employment practices, including hiring, firing, promotions, and other conditions of employment.

Understanding this broad scope helps individuals recognize the importance of inclusivity and fairness in employment settings. It also emphasizes the need for organizations to develop compliance programs that uphold these principles and prevent discrimination based on any of these characteristics.