What legislation was passed to prevent discrimination towards older employees during layoffs?

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) is the legislation specifically designed to protect younger employees from discrimination based on their age, particularly during layoffs and other employment decisions. It prohibits employment discrimination against individuals who are 40 years of age or older, ensuring that older employees are treated fairly and not unfairly targeted during downsizing or restructuring.

This act acknowledges the value and experience that older workers bring to the workforce and seeks to promote age diversity while preventing stereotypes about older employees that may affect hiring, promotion, and other employment opportunities. The ADEA complements other civil rights laws, but its focus is distinct, concentrating on age-related discrimination rather than other forms of discrimination related to race, gender, or disability.

In contrast, the other options listed, while important in their own right, do not specifically address age discrimination. The Civil Rights Act focuses on protecting against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act addresses discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, while the Equal Employment Opportunity Act broadly aims to enforce the laws that prohibit employment discrimination. None of these acts provide the specific protections for older employees during layoffs as outlined in the ADEA.