Under federal law, which of the following is NOT a protected characteristic in employment?

The correct answer is marital status, as it is not considered a protected characteristic under federal employment discrimination laws. Federal laws, such as the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, specifically outline categories of protection including age, sexual orientation, and national origin.

While some states and localities may have their own regulations that protect against discrimination based on marital status, these are not uniformly recognized at the federal level. Consequently, federal law does not provide protections for employees based on their marital status, which is why this characteristic is the correct answer in the context of this question.

Understanding which characteristics are protected under federal law is crucial for both employers and employees in navigating workplace rights and compliance.