Affirmative Action

Affirmative action is a tool designed to expand job and educational opportunities to women and people of color to remedy past and present-day discrimination. Affirmative action tools include outreach, recruitment, training, and promotion to ensure that positive steps are taken to advance qualified women and people of color. Over the past forty years, affirmative action programs have significantly expanded employment and educational opportunities to underrepresented groups. In addition, while much attention is focused on individuals as beneficiaries of affirmative action programs, the programs also help critical institutions in our society. For example, affirmative action programs help businesses compete in today’s global economy by providing a workforce that reflects the diversity of the country.

YWCA Position
The YWCA supports the maintenance and strengthening of affirmative action laws to protect people from discrimination on the basis of race and gender.

Candidate Questions
What is your position on affirmative action?

What is your policy agenda regarding affirmative action if elected?