The document discusses affirmative action, its origins in the 1965 Executive Order requiring federal contractors to ensure equal opportunity and treatment regardless of race, creed, color, or national origin. It was later expanded to include women. Arguments for and against affirmative action are presented, as well as alternatives such as class-based affirmative action or focusing on the truly disadvantaged.

1. Equal Employment Opportunity Affirmative Action

2. What is Affirmative Action? A set of public policies and initiatives designed to help eliminate past and present discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin through measures that improve all economic and educational opportunities.

3. The Origin of Affirmative Action The actual phrase "affirmative action" was first used in President Lyndon Johnson's 1965 Executive Order 11246 which requires federal contractors to "take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during employment, without regard to their race, creed, color, or national origin." In 1967, Johnson expanded the Executive Order to include affirmative action requirements to benefit women.

4. Against A.A . For A.A . Is uncalled for. Is reverse discrimination. Violates the principle of merit. Violates principles of compensatory justice. Is necessary. Is fair. Identifies the talented disadvantaged and adds them to the labor pool. Repairs historical injustice.

5. Socially divisive. Economically inefficient. Harmful to the intended beneficiaries. Realizes a democratic society. Increases professional services to disadvantaged populations. Helps correct current institutionalized discrimination.

6. Alternatives to Affirmative Action Class-based affirmative action. Focus on the “truly disadvantaged”. Self - help. Informal promotion of integration, stressing intermarriage and cross-racial friendship.

8. BCU Hawaii University Business Ethics Presentation Presented by: Maram Kabbara & Samah Harmouche Presented to: Dr. M. Rawas Wed. 22/12/2004