Affirmative Action

About

Affirmative action refers to policies designed to promote diversity and inclusion in education and employment by addressing historical discrimination. It aims to create a more level playing field for underrepresented groups, such as racial minorities, women, people with disabilities, and veterans. These policies often involve considering factors like race, gender, or national origin in hiring and admissions processes to counteract systemic inequalities. Affirmative action has been influential in the U.S. since the 1960s, evolving from Executive Orders to broader legislation. It includes measures like hiring quotas, scholarships, and outreach programs. Despite recent legal challenges, such as the Supreme Court's ruling on race-based admissions, affirmative action remains a critical tool for fostering diversity and addressing past injustices in education and employment. Its effectiveness and ethical implications continue to be debated, with proponents arguing it enhances social justice and critics raising concerns about fairness and discrimination.