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What is the history behind the implementation of Affirmative Action in the United States?

Mattie Wall

Well, the history behind the implementation of Affirmative Action in the United States is a complex and controversial topic. The idea behind Affirmative Action was to eliminate discrimination based on race, ethnicity, and gender and to level the playing field for underrepresented groups. It was implemented during the 1960s and 1970s as part of the larger Civil Rights movement.

It all started with President John F. Kennedy in 1961, who signed an executive order establishing the Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity. This order prohibited employment discrimination by federal contractors on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin. But it wasn't until President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965, who signed Executive Order 11246, that Affirmative Action really took off.

Executive Order 11246 required all federal contractors to take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during employment, without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The goal was to increase the number of underrepresented groups in the workforce and universities.

Since then, Affirmative Action has been a subject of debate. Supporters believe that it has helped to level the playing field and provide opportunities for those who have been historically disadvantaged. Opponents argue that it has led to reverse discrimination, where qualified white individuals are overlooked for jobs or promotions in favor of minority candidates, regardless of qualifications.

The Supreme Court has heard several cases regarding Affirmative Action, most notably in the cases of Grutter v. Bollinger and Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin. In the Grutter case, the Court ruled that race could be considered as a factor in admissions decisions, but only in a limited way. In the Fisher case, the Court upheld the use of race in college admissions, but said that schools need to show that they have tried other ways to achieve diversity before relying on race.

Overall, the history of Affirmative Action in the United States is a reflection of the country's ongoing struggle with issues of race, ethnicity, and gender equality. While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to ensure that all individuals have equal access to opportunities and that discrimination is eliminated.