In the context of equal employment opportunity, affirmative action plans are intended to?

• A. Overcome the past and present effects of discrimination
• B. Encourage exclusive hiring of majority groups
• C. Remove all hiring criteria
• D. Guarantee promotion regardless of merit

Answer: (A)

Affirmative action plans are about correcting inequities by addressing both historical and ongoing discrimination in the workplace. They focus on proactive steps—like outreach, targeted recruitment, and monitoring representation—to ensure underrepresented groups have real opportunities in hiring and promotion, helping to level the playing field. They’re not about exclusive hiring, removing hiring criteria, or guaranteeing promotions regardless of merit; hiring criteria remain job-related and merit-based, and promotions should reflect performance while affirmative action seeks fair access and opportunities for all.