Question

What is the intent of affirmative action? Is there still a need for affirmative action policies in the 2020s? What are potential positives, and negatives, of affirmative action policies? Be sure to support your opinions with concrete facts - US Supreme Court decisions for example.

Answer 1

The purpose of affirmative action is to ensure equal employment opportunities for applicants and employees. It is based on the premise that, absent discrimination, over time a contractor's workforce generally will reflect the demographics of the qualified available workforce in the relevant job market.The purpose of affirmative action programs is to compensate for past discrimination, which was widespread when legislation was introduced in the 1960s to prevent ongoing discrimination and to provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, color, religion, sex or national origin.

Because of nondiscrimination policies, workplaces and universities have become more diverse, and millions of people have been able to advance their careers. But the success of affirmative action programs doesn't mean they are no longer needed. This is perhaps the biggest myth of them all.