Protected group
A protected group is a term that, especially in the United States, refers to groups given special protection by laws, policies, or similar authority, especially in connection with employees and employment.
U.S. federal law protects individuals from discrimination or harassment based on nine protected groups. Many state laws also give certain protected groups special protections. Employer policies may also protect certain groups. There are also other laws and executives order by U.S. Presidents giving protected status to certain groups. Which groups are protected and how vary.
A criticism is that this gives privileges to certain groups, but not to other groups.
