Affirmative Action
Affirmative action is a policy or a program of giving preferential treatment to certain designated groups allegedly seeking to redress discrimination or bias through active measures, as in education and employment. Proponents of affirmative action generally advocate it either as a means to address past or present discrimination or to enhance racial, ethnic, gender, or other diversity. However, opponents of affirmative action contend that affirmative action programs promote under-qualified individuals over higher qualified individuals, based on factors, such as race and ethnicity (2007). In the United States, affirmative action mostly applies at transition points, times when individuals are changing their employment, housing or enrollment.
Those most affected thus include working age adults who hope to improve their lot through a change in obtaining housing, employment or the pursuit of educational opportunity. This arrangement has the greatest impact on young people, while maintaining the status and position of established members of society. This overall framework was established by Presidential Decree in March, 1961 by President Kennedy, but has evolved significantly. For federal contractors and subcontractors, affirmative action must be taken by covered employers to recruit and advance qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. Affirmative actions include training programs, outreach efforts, and other positive steps. These procedures should be incorporated into the company's written personnel policies. Employers with written affirmative action programs must implement them, keep them on file and update them annually (US Dept of Labor, 2002).
Non-construction (service and supply) contractors with ...