EEO protected classes by state

Staying compliant with equal employment opportunity requirements is essential for HR teams operating across multiple jurisdictions. In addition to federal protections under laws such as Title VII, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, virtually all states have their own anti‑discrimination laws that identify specific protected classes. Many municipalities also enforce local ordinances that expand these protections even further.

Our Fifty state chart for EEO protected classes provides HR professionals with a clear, comprehensive comparison of protected classes across states and municipalities, including where age protections apply only to certain age groups and where characteristics such as HIV/AIDS are explicitly covered. It also highlights that some local ordinances apply only to city contractors, helping HR teams understand how requirements differ at every level of government.

By consolidating these state‑specific and local protections, this resource helps HR teams strengthen compliance, reduce risk, and ensure fair and consistent employment practices across the organization.

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