What is a protected class?

A protected class refers to a category by which people qualify for special protection by a law, policy, or similar authority. A protected class is sometimes referred to as a protected group or prohibited ground.

In simple terms, a protected class is a group that shares a common trait who are legally protected against being discriminated against on the basis of that trait. These traits could include something like race, gender, age, disability, and veteran status. These groups are protected by both state and federal laws.