Final answer:
Executive Order 11246 bans discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin for federal contractors and requires affirmative action. Extensions to the Act included protections for Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans.
Step-by-step explanation:
Protected Classes Under Executive Order 11246
Executive Order 11246, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965, prohibits federal contractors and subcontractors from discriminating in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It also requires government contractors to take affirmative action to ensure that equal opportunity is provided in all aspects of their employment practices. Additionally, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces federal regulations concerning these protections.
Extended Protections
Furthermore, in its history, the Act was extended and updated in 1970 and 1975 to include protections for Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans. Over time, other executive orders and acts have expanded these protections to other groups, reflecting a commitment to diversity and equal opportunities.