Forty Years of Affirmative Act
We all hear a lot these days about Affirmative Action, especially from political leaders, but what exactly does affirmative action mean? Webster’s dictionary defines affirmative action as “an active effort to improve the employment and educational opportunities of members of minority groups or women.” The first official use of the term was used in 1961 when President John F. Kennedy issued an executive order calling for affirmative action as a means to promote equal opportunity for racial minorities, in hiring by federal contractors. It became widely used with the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964, when strong measures were taken by the federal government and private institutions to protect minorities and women from discrimination. Four years later, President Nixon beefed up the Office of Federal Compliance Programs, which along with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has become one of the government’s two main enforcers of affirmative action policy (Robinson 10). The Equal Opportunity Act of 1972, required that most federal contractors, subcontractors, and state and federal governmental institutions (including universities) initiate plans to increase the proport
In his article “Living in a Post-Affirmative Action World,” Ronald Roach, writes that many scholars believe that even if the Supreme Court strikes down Michigan’s affirmative action plans, the court will likely say something positive about racial The affirmative action debate has been going on for over 40 years and there is every indication that it will continue for many more years, despite a ruling by the Supreme Court, which could come in early June. Because of the ever-increasing racial diversity in America, I believe that affirmative action is necessary in order for minorities to have the same advantages as non-minorities. Business, education and political leaders realize the importance of a diverse work force and believe that affirmative action is the way for minorities to achieve equality. I also believe that eventually there will be no “minorities” and then, hopefully, there will be no need for affirmative action. Affirmative action has more recently become a subject of public debate and controversy in a case involving the University of Michigan and their refusal to admit two white student applicants, which is being heard by the Supreme Court. In his article “Supreme Court sets Showdown on Affirmative Action,” Johnathan Watts states: “The underlying issue is whether America's legacy of racial discrimination warrants a boost up the educational ladder for African Americans, Hispanics, and native Americans. ions of their female and minority employees until they were equal to the proportions existing in the
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