The basic federal law expressing national policy to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, or sex in all aspects of employment and by all organizations with 15 or more employees. The effect of Title VII is to establish groups of people who are “protected” from unfair employment practices. Title VII prohibits discrimination in hiring, discharge, compensation and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. This law prohibits retaliation against employees or applicants for bringing complaints forward or filing charges with regulatory agencies. Note: The prohibition against retaliation also applies to other employment rights laws, such as the ADA and ADEA.)