Final answer:
Anti-discrimination laws prevent discrimination based on family status, which is a protected characteristic under the Fair Housing Act of 1968. Housing discrimination can affect access to education and job opportunities, linking it closely with employment discrimination. Subtle forms of this discrimination still persist today.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fair housing and anti-discrimination laws prevent property managers from discriminating against prospective tenants based on certain protected characteristics. The correct answer to the student's question is D) Family status. The Fair Housing Act of 1968, also known as the Civil Rights Act of 1968, banned discrimination in the sale or rental of housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. Income level and criminal history are not protected classes under the Fair Housing Act; however, some local or state laws may provide additional protections.
Discrimination in the housing market is intrinsically linked to employment discrimination because access to housing impacts where individuals can live, which in turn affects their access to education, opportunities, and jobs. This connection can become a perpetual cycle, where discrimination in one area can reinforce discrimination in another. Studies have shown that discriminatory practices, despite being illegal, unfortunately still persist in more subtle forms.