Positive Discrimination

Positive discrimination is also called affirmative action.

Positive discrimination is implemented to override negative discrimination. Refusing to hire an individual because of ethnic, racial, gender or religious prejudices is a federal crime. Positive discrimination ensures equal opportunities for those marginalized in society.

History

Positive discrimination, also known as affirmative action, was established in 1965 under President Lyndon B. Johnson in an effort to address the discrimination that was prevalent in employment, education and business, though such was already deemed illegal according to the civil rights law. According to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the purpose of affirmative action is to provide opportunities for minorities and women, not to create quotas.

Purpose

The purpose of positive discrimination is to provide equal opportunity where it is not commonly afforded to minorities or other marginalized people. This includes employment, education and housing.

Bottom Line

Positive discrimination was readdressed under the Clinton administration. Some of these laws remain intact, prohibiting inadvertent racism and other prejudicial treatment of racial and other minorities. Positive discrimination is intended to counteract historical discrimination, making it a form of reparation through opportunity.

References

• New Foundations: Positive Disrimination
• Mike Reddin: Positive Discrimination
• NAACPA: The Debate on Affirmative Action