Now that we have an international membership, please allow me to ask, do other countries have any kind of an Affirmative Action program?

That's a good question. Might have to wait for the answer..I think it's around 6-8am in Europe.

Yeah I'm interested too.

Someone should spell out affirmative action since those words alone might not explain it well enough for someone overseas:


Affirmative action (US English), or positive discrimination (British English), is a law providing advantages for people of a minority group who are seen to have traditionally been discriminated against. This consists of preferential access to education, employment, health care, or social welfare.

In employment, affirmative action may also be known as employment equity. In this context affirmative action requires that institutions increase hiring and promotion of candidates of mandated groups.

http://encyclopedia.laborlawtalk.com/Affirmative_action

Holy shit. I think that definition just answered the question! I guess they call it positive discrimination. I like the way that is put!

I think it's bad system exactly for that reason. Cure the lack of diversity with a system that created it in the first place. For a temporary stay, I support that type of program, but it's not something we should come to lean on. Any discrimination (racially) is bad.

I agree. It would be ideal if it was not necessary. But still today, in 2005, I feel it is a necessary evil.

Yup.