Which characteristic is NOT considered a protected characteristic against discrimination?

Political views are not considered a protected characteristic against discrimination under most discrimination laws. Federal laws, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, protect individuals from discrimination based on certain classifications, which typically include national origin, religion, and age, amongst others. These laws are designed to prevent unfair treatment in the workplace and other areas based on inherent personal characteristics that individuals cannot change or should not be judged on.

In contrast, political views, while they may affect workplace dynamics and personal relationships, are not covered by federal anti-discrimination laws. This means an employer can make decisions based on an employee's political beliefs without it constituting unlawful discrimination. Therefore, recognizing political views as not protected aligns with the legal framework that governs discrimination in the workplace, clarifying why this characteristic does not receive the same legal protections as the others listed.