Affirmative action applies to how many prohibited grounds in the Code?

• A. Four
• B. Eight
• C. Twelve
• D. Sixteen

Answer: (D)

Affirmative action is a permissible type of measure under the Code aimed at promoting equality for groups protected by the prohibited grounds. The Code lists sixteen prohibited grounds, including race, color, ethnic origin, place of origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, pregnancy, disability, and record of offenses. Because affirmative action is designed to address underrepresentation and discrimination across these protected characteristics, it can be applied to all sixteen grounds. In short, the correct count reflects the statutory list, making sixteen the right number.