What 1978 amendment was added to the Civil Rights Act regarding protected classes?

The 1978 amendment to the Civil Rights Act is significant because it specifically included pregnancy as a protected class under Title VII. This amendment, known as the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, clarified that discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions is a form of sex discrimination. As a result, employers cannot treat women unfavorably because of pregnancy-related conditions, ensuring that women have equal rights in employment opportunities during and after pregnancy.

The emphasis on pregnancy as a protected class illustrates a crucial expansion of the Civil Rights Act, addressing specific challenges that women face in the workplace. This legislative change reinforced the notion that pregnant employees should not face job loss, demotion, or other adverse employment actions due to their condition, thereby promoting workplace equality.

While age, national origin, and sexual orientation are important considerations in discussions of discrimination, none of these categories specifically pertain to the 1978 amendment in question. As a result, the inclusion of pregnancy as a protected class stands out as the correct answer in this context.