This episode goes over the 6 protected categories as outlined in AR 600-20 Chapter 6, Equal Opportunity.

The 6 protected categories are Race, Color, Sex (including gender identity), National Origin, Religion, and Sexual Orientation.

Race refers to groups of people identified by shared physical characteristics, such as skin color or facial features, and the Army prohibits any unequal treatment based on these differences. Color specifically addresses discrimination based on the shade or tone of a person’s skin, which can even occur within the same racial group. Gender protection ensures Soldiers are not treated unfairly due to being male or female, and this includes preventing sexism and gender-based bias. National Origin relates to the country or cultural group a person or their ancestors came from, protecting Soldiers from prejudice based on their ethnic background or place of birth. Religion covers sincerely held spiritual beliefs and practices, requiring leaders to accommodate religious practices unless they interfere with mission readiness or safety. Sexual Orientation protects Soldiers from discrimination based on who they are romantically or sexually attracted to, ensuring fair treatment regardless of whether someone is heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual. These six protected categories form the core of the Army’s EO program and are essential to maintaining a climate of dignity and respect.