Will America Return to a Majority White Male Workforce?
President Trump’s decision to rescind Executive Order 11246, initially signed by President Lyndon Baines Johnson in September 1965, has significant implications for the ability of Black, Asian, and immigrant individuals to receive fair consideration for jobs in the federal government. This executive order was a cornerstone of affirmative action policies, promoting equal employment opportunities and preventing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
Historical Context and Purpose of EO 11246
Executive Order 11246 was established during the Civil Rights Movement to address systemic discrimination in employment practices. It required federal contractors to take affirmative action to ensure that applicants and employees were treated regardless of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This order played a crucial role in increasing diversity within the federal workforce and ensuring that marginalized groups had access to job opportunities.
Impact of Rescinding EO 11246
The rescission of EO 11246 by President Trump has several potential impacts on the ability of Black, Asian, and immigrant individuals to receive fair consideration for federal jobs:
- Reduction in Diversity Initiatives: Removing affirmative action requirements means that federal contractors are no longer obligated to actively promote diversity in their hiring practices. This could decrease the representation of minority groups within the federal workforce.
- Increased Discrimination: Without the protections and requirements of EO 11246, discriminatory practices may become more prevalent. The order’s removal could embolden employers to engage in biased hiring practices, making it more difficult for minority groups to secure federal employment.
- Loss of Accountability: EO 11246 provided a framework for holding federal contractors accountable for their employment practices. Its rescission removes a key mechanism for ensuring that contractors adhere to non-discriminatory practices, potentially leading to a less equitable hiring process.
- Impact on Immigrant Workers: Immigrant workers, who often face additional barriers to employment, may find it even more challenging to compete for federal jobs. Removing affirmative action policies could exacerbate existing disparities and limit opportunities for these individuals.
Broader Implications
The rescission of EO 11246 is part of a broader trend of rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the federal government. This move signals a shift towards a merit-based hiring approach, which, while emphasizing individual qualifications, may overlook the systemic barriers that minority groups face in accessing job opportunities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, President Trump’s decision to rescind Executive Order 11246 has far-reaching implications for the ability of Black, Asian, and immigrant individuals to receive fair consideration for jobs in the federal government. By removing affirmative action requirements, this action risks reducing diversity, increasing discrimination, and undermining accountability in federal hiring practices. As the nation grapples with equity and inclusion issues, it is crucial to consider the long-term impacts of such policy changes on marginalized communities.
SOURCES
The National Law Review
The New Civil Rights Movement
Harold Michael Harvey, JD, is the Living Now 2020 Bronze Medal winner for his memoir Freaknik Lawyer: A Memoir on the Craft of Resistance. He is the author of a book on Negro Leagues Baseball, The Duke of 18th & Vine: Bob Kendrick Pitches Negro Leagues Baseball. He writes feature stories for Black College Nines.com. Harvey is a member of the Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, HBCU and PRO Sports Media Association, and the Legends Committee for the National College Baseball Hall of Fame. Harvey is an engaging speaker. Contact Harvey at [email protected].
People don’t understand that qualified women and folks of color are passed over due to the “good old boy” system.
It happened in spite of the DEI programs. I shudder to think how many Black, Brown, and Yellow people will be overlooked for positions with the destruction of the protection put in place by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965.