Which law forbids discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, or national origin in all areas of the employment relationship?

• A. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
• B. USERRA
• C. IRCA
• D. EPA

Answer: (A)

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 bars discrimination in every aspect of the employment relationship based on sex, race, color, religion, or national origin. This means employers can’t base hiring, firing, pay, promotions, job assignments, training opportunities, or other terms and conditions of work on those protected characteristics. It also protects employees from harassment and from retaliation for complaining about discrimination. The law applies to employers with 15 or more employees, as well as to labor unions and employment agencies, and it is enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Other laws mentioned have narrower focuses: USERRA protects service members from discrimination related to military service, IRCA prohibits discrimination based on citizenship status or national origin and governs work eligibility and verification, and the Equal Pay Act targets wage disparities between men and women for substantially equal work rather than governing all aspects of the employment relationship.