Protected Class Definitions

Questions and Answers

What is a Protected Class?

A group of persons protected by specific laws because of defining characteristics. (correct)

A class of products.

A class that requires special training.

A group with special privileges.

What does the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) do?

It monitors compliance with Title VII and allows victims of discrimination to file claims.

Is not hiring someone who smokes considered a form of discrimination against a protected class?

False

What is Lookism?

Prejudice based upon looks or appearance. Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes Employment Discrimination?

Treating employees or job applicants unequally based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, or disability. Signup and view all the answers

What does Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibit?

It prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability. Signup and view all the answers

What must a plaintiff prove to establish a prima facie case of Intentional Discrimination?

They are part of a protected class. Signup and view all the answers

Does a plaintiff need to prove intentional discrimination when dealing with Unintentional Discrimination?

False Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a federal statute related to employment discrimination?

Labor Unions Signup and view all the answers

What are the remedies available under Title VII?

Plaintiffs can be reinstated, receive back pay, or be promoted. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Equal Pay Act of 1963?

It is a law that required both men and women to receive equal pay for equal work. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Protected Class

Defined group protected by laws against discrimination based on characteristics such as race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, and disability.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination in employment.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces compliance with Title VII.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Federal agency responsible for ensuring equal access to career opportunities.
Victims of discrimination must file a claim with the EEOC before suing employers.
Investigates priority cases of alleged discrimination, not every claim.

Definition of Protective Class

Not hiring someone for individual characteristics like smoking is not considered discrimination as smoking is not a protected class.
Hiring decisions based on protected class characteristics (e.g., tattoos) may constitute discrimination.

Lookism

Prejudice based on appearance, leading to discrimination against those perceived as unattractive or atypical.
Examples include biases against overweight individuals, those who are deemed too short, or those with youthful faces.

Employment Discrimination

Treating employees or applicants unequally based on protected characteristics.
Prohibited by federal laws.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Unlawful for employers to discriminate concerning hiring, compensation, or employment benefits based on protected characteristics.

Intentional Discrimination

Also known as disparate-treatment discrimination.
Prima facie case requires proof of membership in a protected class, qualification for the job, rejection by the employer, and continued hiring for the position.
Burden of proof shifts to employers to provide a legitimate reason for not hiring; the plaintiff must show this reason is a pretext for discrimination.

Unintentional Discrimination

Occurs when employment practices (e.g., testing, interviews) inadvertently impact protected classes negatively.
Not directly examinable.

Federal Statutes

Include Title VII, Equal Pay Act of 1963, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Age discrimination example: older employees may be unfairly dismissed in favor of younger applicants.
Relevant legal cases underline the importance of federal law adherence for age-related employment issues.

Title VII Overview

Focused on preventing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, and issues like sexual harassment.
Remedies include possible restitution or reinstatement for affected employees.

Equal Pay Act

Established in 1963 to ensure equal pay for equal work between men and women.
Challenges remain in achieving actual parity in compensation across genders today.

Description

Explore key concepts related to protected classes under employment discrimination laws as defined in Chapter 18. This quiz focuses on understanding the characteristics that make up protected classes and the relevant legislation, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Enhance your knowledge of civil rights and discrimination law.