Affirmative action provides women and minorities with full educational and workplace opportunities. Under existing law, quotas are illegal. Federal contractors are required to establish goals and timetables, and to make a good- faith effort to meet them. Race, national origin, and gender are among several factors to be considered, but relevant and valid job or educational qualifications are not to be compromised. Affirmative action leads to reverse discrimination .
Evidence demonstrates that reverse discrimination is rare.
For example, of the 91,000 employment discrimination cases before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, approximately three percent are reverse discrimination cases. Affirmative action provides the employer with the largest pool of qualified applicants from which to choose. Affirmative action programs that aid the economically disadvantaged, i.e. needs-based programs, are enough to address discrimination. Affirmative action programs take positive, pro-active steps to prevent discrimination at all levels of employment. Affirmative action based on need would fail to break down barriers that women and minorities experience in the workplace, especially at higher levels.