Affirmative Action and DEI

What is affirmative action? What is DEI?

While affirmative action (AA) and Diversity, Equity and inclusion (DEI) are essential tools in the pursuit of an equitable community, AA  focuses on measurable outcomes, while DEI emphasizes systemic change. Put another way, AA includes specific, often legal, measures to address historical underrepresentation in hiring and education; DEI is a broader, more holistic framework aiming to create inclusive environments where all individuals feel valued and can thrive.  

What does DEI stand for?

Diversity
Recognizing and valuing the unique characteristics of individuals and groups.

Equity
Addressing systemic inequalities to ensure fair and just treatment for all.

Inclusion
Creating environments where everyone feels welcome, respected and valued.

What is the basis for affirmative action?

Affirmative action is a set of policies designed to eliminate unlawful racial, religious, and gender discrimination among applicants in employment and education that has been in place since 1965.

What is Executive Order 11246?

Executive Order 11246, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965, was an executive order of the Article II branch of the United States federal government, specifying non-discriminatory practices and affirmative action in federal government hiring and employment.

On January 21, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order titled 鈥淓nding Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.鈥 This order revoked Executive Order 11246.

What are "protected classes?"

Federal employment laws prohibit discrimination against those on the basis of membership in the following categories: age, disabilities, religion, national origin, race, color, marital status and sex.

Under affirmative action plans, do minorities and women receive special preferences?

Affirmative action does not necessitate granting special preferences. Hiring qualified women and minorities can be compared to criteria in college admissions. For example, colleges and universities may prioritize geographic diversity, which can result in an out-of-state student being admitted before an in-state applicant. Some institutions consider athletic abilities or leadership skills in addition to academic qualifications.

Affirmative action is meant to provide the employer with the largest pool of qualified applicants from which to choose.

Is affirmative action a quota-based initiative?

Affirmative action provides women and minorities with full educational and workplace opportunities. Race, national origin, and gender are among several factors to be considered, but relevant and valid job or educational qualifications are not to be compromised. Under existing law, quotas are illegal. 

Are unqualified individuals hired or promoted for the sake of diversity of affirmative action?

No, affirmative action programs were never meant to compromise valid job or educational qualifications. In order to comply with the law, affirmative actions must be realistic and fair. The goal is always to hire the most qualified individual.