The issue of Affirmative Action has a long history that has many milestones. These important dates in the record of Affirmative Action seem to be central at times in which Civil Rights was a major issue to the American people. The policies regarding Affirmative Action came about in response to the need to address America=s concern with the Civil Issues at hand. .
On March 6, 1961, when the Executive Order 10925, given by President John F. Kennedy was issued. This was the first reference to Affirmative Action in Government. Executive order 10925 created the Committee on Equal Employment and mandated that projects used federal funds to guarantee that hiring and employment practices are free of racial bias. On July 2, 1964 the Civil Rights Act signed by President Lyndon Johnson was enacted. This was the most sweeping civil rights legislation since Reconstruction; the Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination of all kinds based on race, color, religion, or national origin. On June 4, 1965 President Johnson gave a speech to the graduating class at Howard University defining the concept of affirmative action, asserting that civil rights laws alone are not enough to remedy discrimination. On September 24, 1965 Executive Order 11246, iissued by President Johnson enforces affirmative action for the first time. The executive order requires government contractors to "take affirmative action" toward prospective minority employees in all aspects of hiring and employment. Contractors must take specific measures to ensure equality in hiring and must document these efforts. On Oct. 13, 1967, the order was amended to cover discrimination on the basis of gender. 1.
In 1969 The Philadelphia Order Initiated by President Richard Nixon became the most forceful plan thus far to guarantee fair hiring practices in construction jobs. Nixon intended not to impose quotas, but require federal contractors to show affirmative action to meet the goals of increasing minority employment.
