Executive Order 11246

Definition

Executive Order 11246 is a United States presidential directive signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965 aimed at prohibiting discrimination by federal contractors and requiring them to take affirmative action to ensure equal employment opportunities. This order played a crucial role during the Great Society era, which sought to eliminate poverty and racial injustice, aligning closely with civil rights advancements during that time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Executive Order 11246 requires federal contractors to develop affirmative action plans and ensure non-discriminatory hiring practices.
2. The order was implemented by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) within the Department of Labor.
3. It was a response to growing civil rights movements and aimed at addressing systemic discrimination in employment.
4. The order has been amended over the years to expand protections against discrimination based on gender and disability.
5. Executive Order 11246 has faced legal challenges but remains a vital component of federal civil rights enforcement in employment.

Review Questions

• How did Executive Order 11246 influence the employment practices of federal contractors?
  • Executive Order 11246 significantly impacted federal contractors by mandating that they implement affirmative action plans to promote equal employment opportunities. This means that companies receiving federal funds were required to actively work against discrimination and to make concerted efforts to recruit, hire, and promote individuals from historically marginalized groups. The enforcement of this order helped to bring about a shift in workplace diversity and set a precedent for similar policies in other sectors.
• Discuss the connection between Executive Order 11246 and the broader civil rights movement during the Great Society era.
  • Executive Order 11246 is closely tied to the broader civil rights movement as it emerged during a period when activists were advocating for racial equality and justice. By prohibiting discrimination in federal contracting and promoting affirmative action, the order aligned with the goals of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other legislative efforts aimed at dismantling systemic racism. The implementation of this order represented a governmental acknowledgment of discrimination's existence in employment practices, supporting activists' demands for equality.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Executive Order 11246 on workplace diversity and its relevance in today’s context.
  • The long-term effects of Executive Order 11246 have been substantial in shaping workplace diversity across various sectors. By enforcing non-discrimination and requiring affirmative action plans, the order helped lay the groundwork for increased representation of women and minorities in the workforce. In today's context, this order continues to be relevant as discussions around equity and inclusion persist, influencing both corporate policies and public perceptions about diversity in employment. As issues like wage gaps and workplace inequities remain prevalent, Executive Order 11246 serves as a historical reference point for ongoing advocacy efforts aimed at achieving social justice in hiring practices.

Related terms

Affirmative Action: Policies that seek to improve opportunities for historically marginalized groups, particularly in education and employment, often through measures that promote diversity.

Civil Rights Act of 1964: A landmark piece of legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, serving as a foundation for later affirmative action efforts.

Lyndon B. Johnson:

The 36th President of the United States, known for his Great Society programs aimed at eliminating poverty and racial injustice, and for signing key civil rights legislation.