Affirmative action history has been long and controversial, ever since the issuance of Executive Order 10925 by President John F. Kennedy in 1961. The directive mandated that government contractors should take positive steps to eliminate prejudice against minorities. This Act made employment discrimination illegal under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which also provided an avenue for individuals who were treated unjustly could file a lawsuit against their employers concerning the same. In it, he included women within the group in 1967 when President Lyndon B. Johnson expanded the program. Employers were mandated by law to present reports about their recruitment and hiring processes as well as show how they planned to address inequalities at work places by providing equal opportunities for all people without any regard to gender or race of employees. Some employers in higher education even started keeping detailed data about characteristics of candidates competing for faculty positions.
Affirmative action lead to intense feelings, either supportive or critical of it being practiced. People become impassioned adversaries before clarifying what they mean by affirmative action such as this one example. According to some social scientists, affirmative actions are initiatives undertaken by institutions and organisations toward equal chances and results available for everybody.Such measures must be implemented on federal levels within establishments.There is no legal requirement that private organisations employ these policies; however, many do use them frequently with a view towards improving institutional diversity.
Diversity is improved in both workforce and higher education system through affirmative action. Mission objectives may vary across different sector programs. Another set might choose other ways that will help maintain an enriched workforce.Many more firms tend to concentrate on how minority groups can move ahead or upwards within certain industries then. Affirmative action programs often target recruiting and employment efforts inside firms, while diversity management programs perform their activities after hiring has taken place.
These initiatives are created with aim of enhancing ethnic and racial equilibrium at universities.A good number of colleges and universities that prioritise diversity will not only want to increase the number of minority students but also to ensure sufficient pool for admissions. The goal of these regulations is not only to increase student body diversity but also admissions standards so that those who are admitted can actually succeed at college level courses. Also, some researchers argue that affirmative action legislation is essential for institutional equity in higher education since this results-oriented policy promotes affirmative action programs in higher education institutions. Improving opportunities for underrepresented groups is not enough; there must be mechanisms in place to ensure that these avenues lead directly to results.
With the increasing diversity within the United States, it becomes more critical to manage diversity efficiently.By 2050, white individuals or Caucasians as they may be called if they have a European ancestry are expected to account for less than half of the population putting persons with different skin color on majority. Particularly concerning employment and university education, attention toward diversity matters should consider the essential roles played by such institutions in assisting people into meaningful and fulfilling lives.Multiculturally competent counseling practitioners who have acquired competencies related to diversity might be invited to conduct training sessions within various groups and higher learning institutions.
The training of counselling psychologists may help businesses and institutions communicate effectively through encouraging open dialogues and helping to break down stereotypes. More research is needed on all areas of diversity in view of the changing demographics of the U.S population so that people might have an opportunity to live in a broad minded, equitable, and democratic society.