What federally protected class is NOT included under federal discrimination laws?

The correct answer is employment status because it is not considered a federally protected characteristic under discrimination laws. Federal laws, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, protect individuals from discrimination based on specific characteristics including race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. These classes are recognized as fundamental categories under the law, granting individuals the right to seek protection and justice if they face discrimination in areas like employment, housing, and public accommodations.

In contrast, employment status, which generally refers to whether a person is currently employed, unemployed, or seeking employment, does not fall into any of the federally protected categories. This is significant because it indicates that while state laws may offer protections in this regard, federal laws do not provide recourse for discrimination based solely on a person's employment status.