Which group is protected under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act?

The correct answer encompasses the broad range of protections established under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII prohibits employment discrimination based on five specific categories: race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. This means that individuals cannot be discriminated against in employment based solely on these characteristics.

This legislation was enacted to promote equality and prevent unfair treatment in a variety of employment contexts, recognizing that discrimination can take many forms and impact various groups. The inclusion of multiple protected characteristics reflects a commitment to ensuring diverse and inclusive workplaces.

The other options are narrower in scope and do not capture the full intent and coverage of Title VII. The law is comprehensive in that it protects all individuals from discrimination across multiple dimensions, rather than limiting protections to specific subsets of people.