The Purpose Of Affirmative Action

Affirmative action was implemented as a way to set the standard for common business practices regarding fair employment practices for all. This standard was enforced on a government level for any entities within the government and working for the government (contractors, etc.). The idea was the government would set the standard and others would fall in line. The plan worked on some level and created the Secretary of Labor. Affirmative action was an efficient way to bring the rest of America up-to-speed, and had a definitive purpose when created.

In regards to affirmative action, since 1965, the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) has been committed to ensuring that Government contractors

It has promoted the broader cause of racial integration. And it has encouraged the emergence of a black and Latino middle class. “In the sphere of taste, mankind is divided into a multitude of factions and is always likely to remain so. About matters of taste, there is no point in arguing. Disputes are fruitless. Our differences of opinion look irreconcilable. Arguing about such matters will not bring us into agreement. On the contrary, we should wisely live with and gladly tolerate differences of opinion that express divergent tastes. (Adler, Ch 8) Adler called us to regard our peers as equal. Regardless of difference in opinions, race and religion he lets us know this does not

Lobbying has become almost legal bribery in some areas of the government. Americans need to see more equality in all things including Affirmative Action. In subsection 204 D from Executive Order 11246 allows an exemption for some contractors and certain agencies from the Affirmative Action clause. It states “The Secretary of Labor may also provide, by rule, regulation, or order, for the exemption of facilities of a contractor that are in all respects separate and distinct from activities of the contractor related to the performance of the contract: provided, that such an exemption will not interfere with or impede the effectuation of the purposes of this Order: and provided further, that in the absence of such an exemption all facilities shall be covered by the provisions of this Order. (Department of Labor, 2015)’. This very broad statement allows for a loophole for any contractor or agency as needed. There certainly can be extenuating circumstances allowing these contractors/agencies to slip by government program screams unfairness to anyone looking in. Removing this subsection or replacing it with something a little more defined would go a long way in alleviating this unfair blanket statement. Anything that replaces it should include which courts or groups should be involved in allowing any such employment group these waivers from fair