Executive Order 10925

Definition

Executive Order 10925 was issued by President John F. Kennedy on March 6, 1961, mandating that government contractors take affirmative action to ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals regardless of race, creed, color, or national origin. This order marked a significant step in the U.S. civil rights movement, as it formally established the principle of affirmative action in federal contracting and laid the groundwork for future policies aimed at combating discrimination in the workplace.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Executive Order 10925 established the phrase 'affirmative action' in the context of U.S. government policy.
2. The order required government contractors to create affirmative action plans outlining how they would ensure equal employment opportunities.
3. It was one of the first governmental actions that specifically called for proactive measures to combat discrimination rather than just prohibiting it.
4. This executive order paved the way for future legislation and executive actions that further expanded affirmative action policies across various sectors.
5. The enforcement of this order was later supported by the establishment of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 1965.

Review Questions

• How did Executive Order 10925 contribute to the development of affirmative action policies in the United States?
  • Executive Order 10925 played a crucial role in the development of affirmative action policies by formally introducing the concept into federal contracting practices. By requiring government contractors to take affirmative action to promote equal employment opportunities, it established a framework for addressing systemic discrimination. This order not only highlighted the need for equality but also encouraged proactive measures that would influence both public and private sectors in subsequent years.
• Evaluate the impact of Executive Order 10925 on the civil rights movement and its legacy in American society.
  • Executive Order 10925 significantly impacted the civil rights movement by recognizing and addressing employment discrimination as a critical issue. It galvanized support for broader civil rights initiatives and helped set a precedent for subsequent legislation aimed at promoting equality. The legacy of this order is evident today, as it laid the groundwork for ongoing discussions about affirmative action and social justice, influencing policies that continue to affect marginalized communities.
• Analyze how Executive Order 10925 influenced later legal decisions regarding affirmative action and anti-discrimination laws in the United States.
  • Executive Order 10925 influenced later legal decisions regarding affirmative action by establishing a governmental obligation to promote equality, which was referenced in numerous court cases. Its principles were echoed in landmark rulings such as Regents of the University of California v. Bakke, where the Supreme Court examined race-based admissions policies in education. The order also contributed to a broader legal context that recognized the importance of taking proactive steps to address historical injustices, shaping how affirmative action is viewed within American law and policy.

Related terms

Affirmative Action:

Policies designed to improve opportunities for historically marginalized groups, often focusing on employment and education.

Civil Rights Movement:

A social movement in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s aimed at ending racial discrimination and ensuring equal rights for African Americans.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): A federal agency established to enforce laws prohibiting employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.