Which of the following is NOT a reason employers are allowed to terminate or discriminate against employees?

The rationale behind the answer highlights that job performance is a legitimate basis for employers to take disciplinary actions, including termination. Employers have the right to evaluate their employees based on their work performance, which includes productivity, quality of work, attendance, and overall contributions to the organization. When an employee fails to meet the standards or expectations set by the employer, it is common practice for employers to address these issues, which may rightly lead to termination if performance does not improve.

In contrast, the other options represent characteristics that are protected under various anti-discrimination laws. Age, religion, and pregnancy are all attributes that should not influence employment decisions according to legal standards. Employers cannot discriminate against individuals based on these factors, as doing so would violate labor laws designed to promote equality and protect workers from unfair treatment. Therefore, while job performance is a valid reason for employment actions, age, religion, and pregnancy constitute unlawful bases for termination or discrimination.