Conference

The Changing Face of Affirmative Action

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Abstract

Since its inception in 1967, Executive Order 11426 has put the debate about affirmative action at the forefront of every selection decision, whether recruiting and hiring employees or recruiting and admitting students into colleges or universities. Traditionally, compliance to affirmative action programs has been solely associated with minorities and women. However, current arguments have been made that this definition is too narrow. While the question “Do we still need affirmative action?” continues to evolve, new questions arise, e.g.“Do we create affirmative action policies based on other inhibiting factors?” Diversity of abilities, backgrounds, socioeconomic status, skills, geographical location, and feeder pools are all upcoming themes and concepts being brought into the conversation. Some argue that in order for the United States to remain a viable economic power, we will need to evaluate and transform our educational systems. Can affirmative action play a role in bringing about this change? The challenge presented in this workshop is “What should affirmative action in education look like?” This interactive work session will discuss the changing conversation on affirmative action—the advantages, disadvantages, complications, and alterations that can be made to update the language, themes, and concept.