Protected Classes
1. Race – A class or kind of the human population having common origin and other physical traits; a group of people having such common characteristics or appearances.
2. Color – Skin pigmentation; someone’s skin being lighter or darker than someone else’s.
3. National Origin – An individual’s native country.
4. Religion – An organized system of beliefs or devotion to a religious faith or observance.
5. Sex – Gender (male or female); includes protection against sexual harassment; does not cover sexual preference or discrimination on the basis of homosexuality (although sexual preference is a protected class in some locations).
6. Handicap Status – A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; a record of having such impairment; or someone who is regarded as having such impairment. Although the term “handicap” is used in the Act, “disability” is now the favored term.
7. Familial Status – One or more individuals (not 18 years of age) living with a parent or other adult having legal custody or with the written permission of the legal custodian; pregnant women are also protected from being treated differently than women who are not pregnant.
In addition to the federal protected classes, some state and local ordinances have defined other groups as protected under their Fair Housing laws. Here are some examples of classes that are protected in some states, cities, or municipalities:
- Sexual Orientation
- Marital Status
- Age
- Source of Income
- Military Status
- Student