Affirmative action was originally mandated by President Lyndon B. Johnson in Executive Order 11246 which directs federal contractors to establish programs that actively seek out individuals who traditionally have been excluded from participation in the workforce. Because affirmative action is dictated by Executive Order, it may be altered or rescinded by the President in office without consent from the legislative bodies. The rationale for affirmative action was that EEO law alone would not ensure the total integration of the workforce. Affirmative action is race and sex conscious and, therefore, is concerned with the rights of groups and group membership. Merit considerations also are essential in this process.
Affirmative action is meant to be a temporary phenomenon to achieve workforce integration.
If the integration is realized, no further need for affirmative action exists.