Executive Order 11246

Definition

Executive Order 11246 is a United States federal regulation, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965, that prohibits discrimination in employment by federal contractors and requires them to take affirmative action to ensure equal employment opportunities. This order marked a significant step in the evolution of affirmative action policies, especially within the realm of education and public contracting, reinforcing the government's commitment to combat discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Executive Order 11246 applies to all federal contractors and subcontractors that engage in contracts worth $10,000 or more.
2. The order mandates that contractors create and implement affirmative action plans to recruit and promote qualified minorities and women.
3. Non-compliance with Executive Order 11246 can lead to penalties, including suspension or debarment from federal contracting.
4. This executive order also established guidelines for job advertisements to ensure they are inclusive and non-discriminatory.
5. Over time, Executive Order 11246 has been revised to strengthen its provisions and expand protections against discrimination.

Review Questions

• How does Executive Order 11246 relate to the broader goals of affirmative action in employment?
  • Executive Order 11246 plays a critical role in advancing the goals of affirmative action by explicitly prohibiting discrimination in hiring practices among federal contractors. By requiring these contractors to implement affirmative action plans, the order aims to create equal employment opportunities for minorities and women. This legal framework helps reinforce the overall movement towards diversity and inclusion in workplaces across various sectors.
• Evaluate the impact of Executive Order 11246 on federal contractors' hiring practices since its enactment.
  • Since its enactment, Executive Order 11246 has significantly influenced federal contractors' hiring practices by holding them accountable for actively promoting diversity within their workforce. Contractors are required to establish measurable goals and take specific actions toward recruiting and retaining underrepresented groups. This has led to increased awareness and changes in recruitment strategies among contractors, ultimately fostering a more inclusive workplace environment.
• Critically assess how Executive Order 11246 has shaped policies in education institutions regarding discrimination and affirmative action.
  • Executive Order 11246 has had a profound impact on educational institutions by extending its non-discrimination policies beyond employment to encompass admissions and funding decisions as well. Educational institutions that receive federal funds are compelled to adopt affirmative action policies that enhance diversity among students and faculty. This has led to broader discussions about equity and inclusion in education, influencing both public policy debates and institutional practices aimed at addressing systemic inequalities.

Related terms

Affirmative Action: Policies designed to increase opportunities for historically marginalized groups in education and employment, aimed at addressing past discrimination.

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, forming the legal basis for Executive Order 11246.

Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP): A division of the U.S. Department of Labor responsible for ensuring that federal contractors comply with the requirements of Executive Order 11246.