Definition
A group of people protected from discrimination and harassment based on specific characteristics they share. Protected classes include age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status, or any other bases under the law.
Protected classes are defined by federal law, executive order, federal agencies, or Ohio State policy. You may visit the Office of Institutional Equity website to learn more about protected class.