The Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972 established the federal Equal Employment Opportunity program. The purpose of the program, and the commission, is to make sure that all groups and people in society are treated fairly in the workplace, regardless of age, gender, color, religion etc. Below is a list of the major “protected categories” covered under state and federal law: Age: Both the Federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) generally prohibit employers from discriminating against individuals who are over the age of 40. Disability:Both the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California FEHA make it illegal for an employer to discriminate against a qualified individual with a known disability because of that individual’s disability. Sex: This is a broad category, covering discrimination based on sex (including sexual harassment), gender, pregnancy, and sexual orientation. Race: It is illegal under both Federal and State laws to discriminate against individuals based on race or color. Race is defined in terms of the individual’s ancestry or ethnic characteristics. National Origin: National origin discrimination occurs when an employer discriminates against an individual because of the employee’s place of birth. Additionally, employers are prohibited from discriminating based on the individual’s U.S. citizenship status, except when required by law. Religion: It is illegal under both Federal and State laws for employers to discriminate based on an individual’s religious beliefs or practices.