What federal law prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin?

The correct answer is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which is a landmark piece of legislation in the United States that specifically addresses employment discrimination. This law makes it illegal for employers to discriminate against individuals in hiring, promotion, discharge, compensation, or other terms, conditions, or privileges of employment based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

This provision is vital in promoting equality in the workplace and has had a significant impact in combatting discrimination. The law established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which enforces federal laws against discrimination and helps individuals file complaints related to unfair treatment in employment contexts.

The other acts mentioned, while also important in their own rights, target different aspects of employment law. For example, the Americans with Disabilities Act focuses on discrimination against individuals with disabilities, and the Equal Pay Act addresses wage disparity based on gender. The Fair Labor Standards Act is primarily concerned with minimum wage, overtime pay, and child labor laws. Each of these laws complements the protections offered by Title VII, but none of them specifically addresses the same scope of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin as Title VII does.