Which of the following is a protected EO category?

• A. Race
• B. Height
• C. Hair Color
• D. Age

Answer: (A)

Discrimination is prohibited when it’s based on characteristics that are protected in Equal Opportunity policies. Among these, race is a protected category because it relates to someone’s ethnic background, and policies prohibit treating people differently or harassing them because of their race. This protection applies across assignments, evaluations, promotions, and everyday interactions, ensuring fairness regardless of racial identity.

Height and hair color aren’t designated protected categories in EO guidelines, so using those traits as a basis for differential treatment isn’t supported by the standard protections. Age is protected under federal law for individuals 40 and older, but the example here centers on race as a clear, commonly cited protected category.