Final answer:
The claim that affirmative action has eliminated the need for physical examinations in the hiring process is false. Affirmative action focuses on promoting diversity and remedy past discrimination, not altering job-specific health requirements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that companies no longer require physical examinations as part of the selection process due to the development of affirmative action programs is False. Affirmative action policies were primarily developed to promote employment opportunities for minorities and women and to address discrimination concerns, not to change the health and safety standards of the workplace that might require physical examinations. Affirmative action has led to increased diversity in both the workforce and educational institutions by giving underrepresented groups more opportunities. However, this has also sparked debates about the balance between merit-based hiring and the pursuit of diversity goals. Companies still retain the right to require physical examinations if they are related to the job requirements and are not influenced by discriminatory practices.