Protected Class
A group of people sharing a characteristic protected by anti-discrimination law, such as race, sex, age, or disability.
What Is Protected Class?
Protected classes are groups defined by characteristics that federal and state law prohibit employers from using as a basis for employment decisions. Under federal law, protected classes include race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, age (40+), disability, and genetic information. State and local laws may add additional protections. AI hiring tools must be audited to ensure they do not create adverse impact against any protected class, even indirectly through proxy variables or biased training data.
Related Terms
Adverse Impact
A substantially different rate of selection in hiring that disadvantages members of a protected group.
Read moreFour-Fifths Rule (80% Rule)
A guideline stating that a selection rate for any group should be at least 80% of the highest group's rate.
Read moreDisparate Impact
Employment practices that are facially neutral but have a disproportionately negative effect on a protected group.
Read moreTitle VII of the Civil Rights Act
Federal law prohibiting employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
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