Which federal law prohibits employment practices that discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin?

The correct answer is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which is a crucial piece of legislation enacted in 1964 that prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Title VII applies to employers with 15 or more employees and covers various aspects of employment, including hiring, firing, promotions, harassment, and wage disparities. The law aims to provide equal employment opportunities and fosters a workplace free from discrimination, ensuring that individuals are treated fairly regardless of their background.

Understanding the significance of Title VII helps recognize the broader implications it has on societal structures and workplace environments. This law has been instrumental in promoting diversity and equality in the workforce, making it a cornerstone of civil rights legislation in the United States.

Other options relate to different aspects of law: the Smith-Hughes Act primarily focuses on vocational education, the Americans with Disabilities Act addresses discrimination against individuals with disabilities, and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act governs the privacy of student educational records. None of these laws specifically tackle employment discrimination based on the protected categories identified in Title VII.