Affirmative Action

Affirmative Action

tries to right the historical wrongs regarding discrimination

Pros

levels playing field —> opportunity

increases minority representation in the workforce

past discrimination still leads to less income and fewer opportunities

diverse University/workforce exposes people to different cultures

Cons

promotes crippling crutch —> relying on it

people could claim minority status and apply for jobs they aren’t qualified for

“social stigma” —>people question why a person got a job

leads to racial hostility/animosity in workforce

not based on merit — filling in a space

most qualified might not get the jobs because it’s reserved for someone else

not needed anymore —> post racial society

Executive Order 1961

by JFK

established Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity

—> any projects financed with federal funds “take affirmative action” to ensure that hiring and employment actions are free from racial bias

Civil Rights Act 1965

issued by LBJ

prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin

— needed the federal government to go down and sign people up to vote because of the fear caused by discrimination

Executive Order 11246

requires government contractors to consider perspective minority employees while hiring for jobs

— requires documentation

October 13th 1967 —> order amended to include gender discrimination — using power of president and federal gov through judicial activism

Regents of the University of California vs. Bakke

SCOTUS decision set precedent that affirmative action should not lead to reverse discrimination

HOWEVER

a majority group will not be discriminated due to providing greater opportunities to minorities

Gratz vs. Bolinger

affirmative action upheld, BUT it has to be one of many factors for admission to a university NOT THE SOLE REASON

points system not allowed for race

Modern Day

2023 — scotus strikes down affirmative action in college admissions

Trup administration removing DEI in federal institutions/programs