Executive Order 11246

Definition

Executive Order 11246 is a United States presidential directive issued in 1965 that prohibits federal contractors from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It also mandates that these contractors take affirmative action to ensure equal employment opportunities and to promote diversity within their workforce, reinforcing the goals of affirmative action policies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Executive Order 11246 was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on September 24, 1965, as part of his Great Society initiatives aimed at addressing civil rights issues.
2. The order applies to all federal contractors and subcontractors, requiring them to develop affirmative action plans that outline their commitment to diversity and equal opportunity.
3. It established the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) within the Department of Labor to ensure compliance with the order and address complaints related to discrimination.
4. Contractors who fail to comply with the provisions of Executive Order 11246 risk losing their federal contracts and facing legal consequences.
5. The order has been a significant tool in promoting diversity in the workforce and addressing systemic inequalities within federal contracting practices.

Review Questions

• How does Executive Order 11246 connect with the broader objectives of affirmative action in the workforce?
  • Executive Order 11246 is closely tied to the goals of affirmative action as it specifically mandates federal contractors to not only avoid discrimination but also actively promote equal employment opportunities. By requiring these contractors to implement affirmative action plans, the order seeks to level the playing field for marginalized groups in hiring practices. This connection helps ensure that underrepresented populations have better access to job opportunities and workplace advancement.
• 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 monitoring compliance among federal contractors. The OFCCP conducts audits and reviews contractor employment practices to ensure adherence to anti-discrimination requirements and the implementation of affirmative action plans. If violations are found, the OFCCP can initiate investigations and impose sanctions, including the cancellation of contracts or financial penalties.
• Evaluate the impact of Executive Order 11246 on workplace diversity and its implications for federal contracting practices in contemporary society.
  • Executive Order 11246 has had a significant impact on workplace diversity by holding federal contractors accountable for their hiring practices and promoting inclusive work environments. In contemporary society, this order has shaped how businesses approach diversity initiatives and has prompted many organizations to adopt similar principles voluntarily. As a result, it has fostered a culture where diversity is increasingly valued, leading to broader changes in workplace dynamics and contributing to more equitable treatment across various industries.

Related terms

Affirmative Action: A set of policies aimed at increasing the representation of marginalized groups in areas like employment and education through proactive measures.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): A federal agency responsible for enforcing laws against workplace discrimination and overseeing compliance with anti-discrimination regulations.

Discrimination: Unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, often based on race, age, or sex, impacting individuals' rights and opportunities.