Affirmative action

Affirmative Action is a policy or a program of active measures to increase opportunities for historically excluded groups in society, particularly in areas of employment, education, and business. It is often instituted in government and educational settings to ensure that minority groups within a society are included in all programs. The concept of affirmative action was introduced in the United States of America as a way to address the inequalities that persisted despite civil right laws and constitutional guarantees, such as the Fourteenth Amendment.

History

The term "affirmative action" was first used in the United States in Executive Order 10925, signed by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, which included a provision that government contractors "take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and employees are treated during employment, without regard to their race, creed, color, or national origin."

Implementation

Affirmative action policies are those in which an institution or organization actively engages in efforts to improve opportunities for historically excluded groups in American society. Affirmative action policies often focus on employment and education. In institutions of higher education, affirmative action refers to admission policies that provide equal access to education for those groups that have been historically excluded or underrepresented, such as women and minorities.

Controversy

Affirmative action has been the subject of numerous court cases, and has been questioned on constitutional grounds. Opponents of affirmative action argue that it is reverse discrimination, violating the principle of equal treatment under the law. Supporters, however, argue that it is necessary to level the playing field, acknowledging that societal discrimination exists, and providing opportunities to disadvantaged groups.

See also

• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
• Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Diversity (business)