Discrimination still exists . Now more than ever, the continued use of affirmative action is needed to address existing discrimination, to break down barriers and to ensure that all individuals have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their talents and abilities. In FY 2007, 82,792 charges of discrimination were filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, up from 75,768 in 2006. The Department of Labor collected $51,680,950 for 22,251 workers subjected to discrimination in FY 2007.
Affirmative action prevents discrimination by encouraging efforts to investigate and eliminate barriers to equal opportunity before they become discriminatory acts. Affirmative action also calls on employers to diversify the pool of qualified individuals from which it can make a selection. It does not require quotas or preferences. Affirmative action eliminates race and gender preferences that some have enjoyed for centuries. Affirmative action gives everyone a chance to compete.
We have made progress, but there is a long road ahead . As a nation, we have made significant progress in recent years in creating equal access to opportunity, but there remains much work to be done. Affirmative action presents itself as a proven solution to addressing existing discrimination and promoting equal opportunity.
Ending affirmative action would end the dreams of opportunity for many . Policies and programs to ensure equality of opportunity provide the only assurance that many women, people of color, veterans and the disabled have that they can compete – and be evaluated fairly – for jobs and educational opportunities.