Is affirmative action a form of reverse discrimination?
A. Affirmative action is not a form of reverse discrimination. The concept of affirmative action addresses the fact that discrimination against members of minority groups and women has been a part of our nation’s history and continues to exist. Affirmative Action attempts to offer redress. Learning to appreciate the contributions of women and minorities requires a change in the way we think. It does not mean devaluing the contributions of others. Factors to consider are for example that a candidate may be able to serve as a role model for other employees and students and can offer a range of perspectives are also relevant to the position. However, no one should be selected solely because of their membership in any group; similarly, no one should be rejected on that basis. Further, the United States Department of Labor (DOL) has found that affirmative action programs do not lead to widespread reverse discrimination claims. It also found that a high proportion of claims that are filed la
