Answer:
The first action taken by the federal government to prohibit employment discrimination, Executive Order 8803, aimed to address discrimination in defense industries during World War II. It was signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on June 25, 1941. Executive Order 8803 established the Fair Employment Practices Committee (FEPC). The main purpose of the FEPC was to ensure equal employment opportunities in defense industries, without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin. It specifically aimed to address discriminatory practices that were prevalent at the time, especially against African Americans and other minority groups. The order prohibited employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin by federal agencies and defense contractors. It required federal contractors to implement fair employment practices, such as non-discrimination in hiring and promotions. The FEPC was responsible for investigating complaints of discrimination, conducting hearings, and recommending appropriate actions to address violations. Executive Order 8803 was a significant step towards combating employment discrimination in the United States. It laid the foundation for subsequent civil rights legislation, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which further expanded protections against employment discrimination. In summary, the first action taken by the federal government to prohibit employment discrimination, Executive Order 8803, established the Fair Employment Practices Committee (FEPC) to address discrimination in defense industries during World War II. It prohibited employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin by federal agencies and defense contractors, and aimed to ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals.