Affirmative Action
Introduction
Affirmative action has been the subject of increasing debate and tension in our society. Affirmative action has divided political parties, communities and campuses across the nation. The basis behind affirmative action is that because of past discrimination and oppression, such as the unequal treatment of women, and the enslavement of African Americans, minorities and women have difficulty competing with their white male counterparts.
History of Affirmative Action
The policy of Affirmative Action was present 40 years ago in 1965 by President Johnson. Despite civil rights laws and rights guaranteed by the constitution, Affirmative Action was presented to address the persistent discrimination that was taking place.
In a famous speech at Howard University in 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson delivered which became a national justification for moving the country beyond nondiscrimination to a more vigorous effort to improve the status of black Americans. The "skills" that merit-based admission rewards are cultivated in children by parents with money. Affirmative action was to be a method by which minorities could eventually develop those skills in their own children.
Basically, under its tenats minorities and women are to be given special consideration in employment, education, and contracting decisions.
The government runs many programs to increase opportunities for various groups including women, racial and ethnic minority groups. Affirmative action is necessary to ensure the recruitment and employment of women, minorities, people with disabilities, and Vietnam veterans. Affirmative action is a term, which refers to a variety of efforts used by employers and educational institutions to overcome past and co ...