ABSTRACT
These significant diversity dimensions are covered in one chapter because litigation and research literature are less extensive and complex than for other dimensions. Some of these attributes are easily changeable, others not. Age is objective, but appearance and weight judgments are highly subjective. Relationships with usual markers of privilege are complex: social class is reliably related to socioeconomic indicators (e.g., education, income), but religion, age, and disability status are not. Federal anti-discrimination law covers all categories of religious belief, only some categories of age, and the reality or perception of disability. Federal laws protecting religion, age, and disability have different provisions and histories of case law. Appearance, weight, and social class do not fall under federal anti-discrimination protection unless interpreted in terms of color/race/national origin, sex, religion, disability, or age. However, local laws or ordinances may concern appearance, weight, or social class, which are often the basis of exclusion, harassment, and discrimination and deserve serious consideration whether or not legal protections exist.
