What defines a protected group in employment law?

A protected group in employment law is defined as a demographic that is legally safeguarded against discrimination. These groups typically include individuals categorized by race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and genetic information, among other characteristics. Laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act provide protections to these groups, making it illegal for employers to discriminate against employees or job applicants based on membership in these categories.

This legal protection is crucial for ensuring fair treatment in hiring, promotions, termination, and other employment practices. The existence of these protections aims to promote equal opportunity in the workplace and uphold the principles of diversity and inclusion.

Other options do not accurately reflect the definition of a protected group in the context of employment law. For instance, job security, union membership, or performance rankings do not determine legal protection against discrimination; rather, they relate to different aspects of employment.