What is considered a "protected class" under federal anti-discrimination laws?

Under federal anti-discrimination laws, a "protected class" refers to specific categories of individuals who are legally shielded from discrimination in various realms, including employment. The correct answer identifies the categories recognized as protected under laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. These categories include race, color, national origin, sex, disability, and religion.

Each of these classifications has been established to ensure that individuals are not discriminated against based on inherent characteristics that can lead to unequal treatment. For instance, laws against racial discrimination protect individuals from being treated unfairly due to their race, while protections based on sex guard against discrimination pertaining to gender.

The other choices do not align with the federal definitions of protected classes. Age and gender alone do not encompass the breadth of protections offered by law, nor do employment status, job title, income level, or education relate to the recognized basis for discrimination as outlined in federal regulations. Thus, the answer encompassing race, color, national origin, sex, disability, and religion accurately reflects the groups that benefit from these legal protections.