Which personal characteristic is protected from discrimination under employment law?

Age is a personal characteristic that is protected from discrimination under employment law, particularly under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) in the United States. This federal law specifically prohibits employment discrimination against individuals 40 years of age or older based on their age. The act was established to ensure that older workers are not unfairly treated in hiring, promotions, training, or any aspect of employment because of their age.

While certain states may have their laws addressing other characteristics such as marital status, financial status, or past employment record, age has a clear federal statute that specifically protects individuals from age-related discrimination in the workplace. This makes it a significant point of consideration for employers and human resource professionals to ensure compliance with the law and promote a fair and equitable work environment.