Diversity and Affirmative Action: Where Do We Go From Here?

Affirmative action - does it really fulfill a need

As a vital social policy concern , affirmative action has acquired the distinction of polarizing the American electorate without being clearly understood by everybody : from the average American voter to the political leaders of the country . This observation was brought about by the fact that opinion polls conducted on the issue have shown that most Americans mistakenly equate affirmative action with white males being effectively marginalized so that special treatment could be given to the members of the minority groups in the country . On the

other hand political leaders who have shown unfamiliarity with the issue have promised to reexamine federal policies concerning affirmative action for varying reasons . Some of them have made it clear that they are prepared to dismantle affirmative action programs while others said that they are willing to sit down and study the issue more extensively before going any farther . Consequently , the general attitude of the American public with regards affirmative action has been greatly influenced by their feelings towards the minority groups who are benefiting from such programs . Plainly put , those who sympathize with the members of the minority groups support affirmative action policies while those who do not , disapprove of the programs (APA Online , 2008

Affirmative action is a generic term which refers to the collection of laws , programs , and practices whose objective is to lessen the effects of discrimination in all aspects of life . It takes concrete form in the efforts of government and the private sector which provide equal employment and education opportunities to the members of the minority groups . This could be done voluntarily by employers or educational institutions , or could be mandatory when undertaken pursuant to state and federal affirmative action laws (APA Online , 2008 . Whether done voluntarily or in compliance with statutory provisions , affirmative action needs every assistance and support from all concerned parties for it to succeed . This is because the minorities are so inadequate in everything that competing with the majority is very difficult

The term affirmative action ' was first used officially in 1961 when President John F . Kennedy issued Executive (EO ) 10925 which created the Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity . Section 301 (1 of this EO specifically stated that

The [federal government] contractor will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race , creed , color , or national origin . The contractor will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed , and that employees are treated during employment , without regard to their race , creed , color , or national origin (The White House , 1961

Unfortunately , no concrete developments came out of this statute until President Kennedy was assassinated . Three years later , Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed under the administration of President Lyndon Johnson . Described as the most comprehensive piece of legislation on civil rights , it provided that No person in the United States shall , on the ground of race , color , or national origin , be excluded from participation in , be denied the benefits...