Affirmative action refers to a policy designed to increase opportunities in the workplace and education for underrepresented demographics in society. The policy aims to counter historical discrimination against certain groups and promote a balanced representation in leadership and professional roles.
Many businesses and governments implement affirmative action by considering factors such as race, sex, religion, or national origin in their hiring and admissions processes. Though it has been importantly utilized in education, particularly in the United States, the 2023 ruling of Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard limits the consideration of race in college admissions.
Key Takeaways
- Affirmative action aims to rectify historical discrimination against underrepresented groups.
- Policies may include hiring quotas, grants, and scholarships, with possible penalties for non-compliant institutions.
- It covers gender diversity, people with disabilities, and covered veterans.
- The 2023 Supreme Court decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard prohibits race-based considerations in college admissions policies.
How Affirmative Action Works
The primary goal of affirmative action is to foster diversity across various areas of society. Initially developed to uphold the Civil Rights Act of 1964, affirmative action seeks to provide pathways to education, professional roles, and housing that may have originally excluded certain groups.
History and Implementation
Emerging prominently in the 1960s, affirmative action became a tool for promoting equal opportunities across social segments. Initially focusing on combating social segregation, the policy has grown to include gender diversity measures and expanded support for disabled individuals and veterans.
Recent judicial rulings have notably affected affirmative action, with the 2023 Supreme Court ruling curtailing the consideration of race in college admissions.
Key Elements of Affirmative Action
Affirmative action uses financial aid tools like grants and scholarships to enhance access to education for underrepresented groups. In the job market, the policies may require the inclusion of diverse candidates in hiring processes. Government agencies often enforce these regulations by potentially withholding funding from non-compliant organizations.
A common confusion exists between employment equity and affirmative action. Employment equity strives for equal treatment for all, whereas affirmative action specifically supports those historically denied opportunities.
Inspirational Examples of Affirmative Action
Over the decades, several key policies have either advanced or framed the conversation around affirmative action:
- 1965: President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Executive Order 11246 mandates expanded job opportunities for minorities.
- 1970: The Labor Department authorizes goals and timelines to address the underutilization of minorities, later including women.
- 1973: President Richard Nixon signs the Rehabilitation Act to support employment of individuals with disabilities.
- 1983: President Ronald Reagan encourages every federal agency to develop plans promoting Minority Business Enterprises.
- 1990: President George H. W. Bush signs the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- 1998: Congress prevents the elimination of certain affirmative action programs, ensuring support for disadvantaged business enterprises and higher education admissions.
- 2022: Major companies advocate for the continuation of affirmative action in college admissions.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Affirmative Action
Affirmative action has its staunch supporters and critics, each bringing valid points to the debate.
Advantages
- Opportunities for the underrepresented: Enhances access to education and career advancement.
- Diversification: Promotes a more inclusive society and workplace.
Disadvantages
- Cost and societal division: High costs and societal opposition based on views that merit should be the only basis.
- Concerns of reverse discrimination: Risk of overlooking qualified candidates in favor of meeting policy standards.
Affirmative Action Statistics
Affirmative action remains a controversial topic in public opinion and policy discourse. According to polls, the majority of Americans support affirmative action, emphasizing the importance of diversity in society. However, a significant portion also believes hiring should be purely merit-based.
The Goal of Affirmative Action
Affirmative action aims to increase opportunities for historically underrepresented and marginalized groups, improving their access to education, government roles, and positions within the private workforce.
Historic Impact: Regents v. Bakke
The Regents v. Bakke case of 1978 significantly altered affirmative action policies by dismissing the constitutionality of racial quotas, while emphasizing the allowed but limited use of race in admissions policies. The recent 2023 rulings have further restricted these considerations.
Which U.S. President First Defined and Used the Term Affirmative Action?
President John F. Kennedy first officially used and defined affirmative action in 1961, urging fair treatment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin for federal contractors.
The Bottom Line
While affirmative action remains contentious, it is a critical part of fostering workplace and educational diversity, providing marginalized groups with essential opportunities and promoting equality across various social sectors.
Related Terms: Equal Opportunity, Civil Rights Act, Discrimination, Quotas, Inclusion.
References
- Supreme Court. “Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College”.
- U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs. “Affirmative Action Frequently Asked Questions”.
- Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. “Affirmative Action”.
- Supreme Court. “University of California Regents v. Bakke”.
- Supreme Court. “Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. University of North Carolina”.
- American Association for Access, Equity and Diversity. “Affirmative Action Policies Throughout History”.
- The Wall Street Journal. “College Affirmative Action Policies Backed by Major Companies”.
- Gallup. “Affirmative Action and Public Opinion”.
- Pew Research Center. “Americans See Advantages and Challenges in Country’s Growing Racial and Ethnic Diversity”.
