Equal employment opportunity laws were designed to ensure that people are considered for employment without regard to certain traits. Which traits are protected by these laws?

While race is a protected trait, criminal records are generally not included under equal employment opportunity laws, though some jurisdictions have specific provisions regarding background checks. Gender is also protected but does not pair with criminal records to form a valid answer here, as the inclusion of criminal history undermines the intent of the laws.

Race and religion are indeed protected traits; however, the term "abilities" lacks specificity. Equal employment opportunity laws focus on characteristics such as disabilities rather than a general reference to abilities, making this choice incomplete and incorrect.

Although national origin and race are protected traits, education is not protected under equal employment opportunity laws. Education may influence employment decisions, but it does not fall under the category of traits protected from discrimination, rendering this option invalid.