AFFIRMATIVE ACTION - A GUIDE FOR THE PERPLEXED

• NCJ Number: 58849
• Author(s): G D SQUIRES
• Date Published: 1977
• Length: 301 pages
• Corporate Author: Michigan State University
• Sale Source: Michigan State University
• Publication Type: Directory
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

MAJOR LEGISLATION, COURT DECISIONS, EXECUTIVE ORDERS, AND IMPLEMENTING REGULATIONS RELATED TO CIVIL RIGHTS ENFORCEMENT IN EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION, HOUSING, VOTING RIGHTS, AND FEDERALLY-ASSISTED PROGRAMS ARE SUMMARIZED.

Abstract

THE MAJOR FEDERAL CIVIL RIGHTS LEGISLATION, ORDERS, AND REGULATIONS ENACTED IN THE PAST TWO DECADES SHOW THE MOST EXTENSIVE CHANGES IN EMPLOYMENT, WHERE THE CONCEPT OF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION IS BEING APPLIED. THIS HANDBOOK EXPLAINS THE RATIONALE BEHIND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION: WHAT IT MEANS, WHAT IT REQUIRES, OF WHOM IT IS REQUIRED, AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF NONCOMPLIANCE. THE BASIC STEPS IN DEVELOPING, IMPLEMENTING, AND EVALUATING AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PROGRAM ARE REVIEWED, AND A LIST OF SOURCES THAT CAN ASSIST IN MOUNTING SUCH A PROGRAM IS PROVIDED. A DIRECTORY OF THE MAJOR FEDERAL CIVIL RIGHTS AGENCIES THAT CAN OFFER ASSISTANCE AND INFORMATION IS INCLUDED, TOGETHER WITH A BIBLIOGRAPHY CONTAINING PUBLICATIONS THAT EXPLAIN WHAT CIVIL RIGHTS LAW REQUIRES, HOW AND WHERE TO FILE COMPLAINTS, RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION, AND EVALUATIONS OF CURRENT ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS. EXAMPLES OF WHAT SOME ORGANIZATIONS HAVE DONE AND ARE DOING TO DEAL WITH CIVIL RIGHTS PROBLEMS IN THEIR COMMUNITIES ARE PRESENTED: (1) INTER-FAITH CENTERS FOR RACIAL JUSTICE, WHICH CONSTITUTE THE WHITE RESPONSE TO INSTITUTIONAL RACISM; (2) THE MONITORING AND ENFORCING OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND AID-TO-THE-POOR PROVISIONS OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM; AND (3) THE LOCKHEED PROGRAM, WHICH INVOLVES GIVING WORKERS FROM ETHNIC MINORITIES INCREASED WORK RESPONSIBILITY. SOME OF THE MAJOR CONTROVERSIES IN CIVIL RIGHTS ENFORCEMENT ARE ADDRESSED: DO AFFIRMATIVE ACTION GOALS CONSTITUTE ILLEGAL QUOTA SYSTEMS OR REVERSE DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WHITE MALES? DOES THE CONCEPT OF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION REJECT MERIT AS A BASIS OF DISTRIBUTING AVAILABLE REWARDS? HAVE EMPLOYERS RESTRICTED THE RIGHTS OF CERTAIN MINORITY GROUPS TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OTHER MINORITIES IN THE NAME OF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION? THE CURRENT STATE OF THE NATION'S CIVIL RIGHTS ENFORCEMENT EFFORT IS REVIEWED AND WHAT MIGHT BE EXPECTED IN THE FUTURE IS CONSIDERED.