"Protected classes" refer to groups of people who are legally safeguarded from discrimination in various settings, such as employment, housing, and education. These protections are established by laws at the federal, state, and local levels to ensure that individuals are treated fairly regardless of certain characteristics. Common protected classes include race, color, national origin, sex, disability, and religion. In many jurisdictions, additional categories like sexual orientation and age may also be included. The goal of these protections is to promote equality and prevent unfair treatment based on inherent traits or personal circumstances.