What does the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws prohibit?

The correct answer addresses the specific scope and intention of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws, which were established to prevent job discrimination based on characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and genetic information. These laws prohibit discrimination not only in certain workplaces but across all sectors of employment where federal EEO laws apply. This legal framework aims to promote fairness in hiring and workplace practices, ensuring that individuals have equitable access to employment opportunities, regardless of their personal characteristics.

The other options do not accurately encapsulate the essence of EEO laws. For instance, while personal beliefs can contribute to a person's identity, EEO laws are primarily focused on discrimination based on legally protected characteristics rather than individual belief systems. The idea of employment restrictions on demographic groups contradicts the protective nature of EEO laws, which work against such practices. Lastly, while educational background can influence hiring decisions, EEO laws prohibit discrimination based on protected status rather than criteria such as qualifications or educational attainment in general.