Executive Order 11246

Definition

Executive Order 11246 is a significant directive signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965 that prohibits federal contractors from discriminating based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This order also mandates affirmative action to ensure equal employment opportunities and to promote the hiring and advancement of minority groups in the workforce.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Executive Order 11246 applies to all federal contractors and subcontractors, requiring them to comply with non-discrimination and affirmative action policies.
2. The order was established to address systemic discrimination and ensure equal job opportunities for minorities during a time of civil rights activism.
3. It created the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), which oversees compliance with the order and enforces its provisions.
4. Executive Order 11246 has been amended several times to include protections for additional categories such as disability status and veteran status.
5. Failure to comply with Executive Order 11246 can result in penalties, including the cancellation of contracts and exclusion from future government contracts.

Review Questions

• How does Executive Order 11246 influence the hiring practices of federal contractors?
  • Executive Order 11246 significantly influences federal contractors' hiring practices by requiring them to avoid discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It mandates that these employers implement affirmative action plans aimed at increasing the representation of minorities in their workforce. This order compels contractors to actively seek out qualified candidates from underrepresented groups and to document their efforts in promoting diversity within their organizations.
• Discuss the role of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) in enforcing Executive Order 11246.
  • The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) plays a crucial role in enforcing Executive Order 11246 by ensuring that federal contractors comply with its non-discrimination and affirmative action requirements. The OFCCP conducts audits and investigations to assess contractor compliance and provides guidance on implementing effective affirmative action programs. Through these actions, the OFCCP helps uphold the principles of equal employment opportunity and promotes fairness in federal contracting.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of Executive Order 11246 on workplace diversity and inclusion in the United States.
  • The long-term impacts of Executive Order 11246 on workplace diversity and inclusion have been profound, shaping policies that promote equal opportunity across various industries. By establishing a framework for affirmative action, the order has led to increased representation of minorities in government contracting and has influenced broader corporate practices beyond federal contractors. This initiative has contributed to ongoing discussions about equity in the workforce, helping to dismantle barriers faced by historically marginalized groups and fostering a more inclusive work environment over time.

Related terms

Affirmative Action:

Policies that aim to improve opportunities for historically marginalized groups in education and employment, particularly through measures designed to promote diversity.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): A federal agency responsible for enforcing laws against workplace discrimination and ensuring fair treatment in hiring and employment practices.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: A landmark piece of legislation that prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.