The term "Protected Class" refers to a group of individuals who are protected by anti-discrimination laws based on certain characteristics or attributes. These characteristics are legally recognized as being fundamental to a person's identity, and discrimination based on these traits is prohibited in employment and other areas of life. Protected classes are defined by laws and regulations at the national, state, and local levels to ensure equal treatment and opportunities for all individuals.

Example
In the United States, protected classes include race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, and genetic information. This means that employers cannot discriminate against individuals based on these characteristics when making employment decisions such as hiring, promotion, termination, or compensation. For instance, an employer cannot refuse to hire someone solely because of their race or deny a promotion based on a person's disability. By protecting these classes, the law aims to promote equal opportunity and fair treatment in the workplace for all individuals.