Affirmative Action

Affirmative Action

The concept of affirmative action requires Federal contractors and subcontractors to take affirmative action to ensure that all individuals have an equal opportunity for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or status as a Vietnam era or special disabled veteran. 

Initially, the goal of affirmative action was to compensate minorities for past discrimination and prevent future employment discrimination by eliminating the barriers that limit employment opportunity.  Essentially, employers are encouraged to hire minorities, women, handicapped individuals and veterans.

Executive Order 11246, Equal Employment Opportunity, as amended, requires government contractors to take affirmative action to insure that equal opportunity is provided in all aspects of their employment. Each government contractor with 50 or more employees and $50,000 or more in government contracts is required to develop a written affirmative action program. The plan helps the contractor identify and analyze potential problems in the participation and utilization of women and minorities in the contractor's workforce.  The contractor must outline the specific procedures it will follow and the good faith efforts it will make to address problems and provide equal employment opportunity.

Opponents argue that affirmative action is reverse discrimination and assert that hiring practices should be based on qualifications, not race or sex.

Important Notice

This information is generic and may or may not apply to this particular city, county, state or your individual circumstances. State laws vary and are continuously changing. This information does not necessarily reflect the laws in your community.  It is not intended to be a source of legal advice or a substitute for qualified legal counsel.  Your access to and use of this web site is subject to additional terms and conditions found in our Terms of Use.  Please read it now.

Where can I get legal advice about my Employment Law Law matter or case?

If you have an Employment Law matter or case and want legal advice for your specific situation, call the law firm below to schedule a free consultation. 

 TOP OF PAGE

Terms of Use Policy - The OptimusLaw® Employment Law Help Center is provided for your general information only.  This information is generic and may or may not apply to your particular city, county, state or your individual circumstances. State laws vary and are continuously changing. This information does not necessarily reflect the laws in your particular state.  It is not intended to be a source of legal advice or a substitute for qualified legal counsel.  Your access to and use of this web site is subject to additional terms and conditions found in our Terms of Use policy.  Please read it now.

Search for a Specific Legal Issue - We've included a powerful text search feature that lets you search every page in the OptimusLaw® Employment Law Help Center web site for words or combinations of words that you enter into the search form. Click the Search button below to use our web site search engine to help you find the legal information, legal issue or legal representation that you need. 

Lawyers, Advertise Your Firm - Get more clients by advertising in an OptimusLaw Help Center.  Click on Membership Info to learn how our full suite of marketing and technology services for lawyers and law firms can bring you a steady flow of new clients. Click a link to learn more about our help center marketing programs, lawyer directory marketing programs, web site design packages, web site hosting services and email services.

 TOP OF PAGE