These programs demonstrate what leaders at all levels of public and private life can do when they commit themselves to finding the common good across racial lines. Although this publication highlights only a fraction of the community efforts working towards improving race relations, they serve as examples of effective programs contributing to this country's ongoing dialogue on racial reconciliation. Another national figure who supports affirmative action is Colin Powell. Living in segregated Alabama in the 1960s, Powell experienced discrimination. I can remember very well being denied access to a lunch counter.
Racism still corrodes America.
He admits that he was helped by affirmative action and believes that government has a role, however limited, in giving minorities special consideration. It is a remedy in keeping with the basic principle that where there is a constitutional violation, there must be a remedy appropriate in scope to that violation. As a condition of their government contract, federal contractors and subcontractors are subject to the laws of antidiscrimination and are required to take positive steps to ensure that minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans have an equal opportunity to compete for employment. Five federal contractors have been debarred since 1992. Insufficient or inadequate affirmative action steps.