Which of the following statements about affirmative action is true?
A. Affirmative action is a strategy devised by the Supreme Court to desegregate public schools with “all deliberate speed.”
B. Affirmative action prohibits age discrimination. Affirmative action prohibits age discrimination.
C. Affirmative action protects citizens against the use of excessive force by law enforcement.
D. Affirmative action is a provision of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that encourages diversity in workplace hiring and university admissions.
D. Affirmative action is a provision of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that encourages diversity in workplace hiring and university admissions.
To determine which statement about affirmative action is true, we need to evaluate each option.
Option A states that affirmative action is a strategy devised by the Supreme Court to desegregate public schools with "all deliberate speed." This statement is not entirely accurate. While the Supreme Court has played a role in shaping affirmative action policies, it initially emerged from executive orders issued by Presidents Kennedy and Johnson in the 1960s. The Supreme Court's rulings have influenced how affirmative action is implemented, but it wasn't specifically designed to desegregate schools "with all deliberate speed." Therefore, Option A is not true.
Option B claims that affirmative action prohibits age discrimination. This statement is incorrect. Affirmative action policies primarily address improving opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, and sometimes disability. Age discrimination is addressed separately through the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967. Affirmative action does not directly protect against age discrimination, so Option B is false.
Option C suggests that affirmative action protects citizens against the use of excessive force by law enforcement. This statement is not accurate. Affirmative action policies aim to address inequalities and promote diversity in education and employment. They do not specifically deal with policing or excessive force. Therefore, Option C is incorrect.
Option D states that affirmative action is a provision of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that encourages diversity in workplace hiring and university admissions. This statement is true. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. Affirmative action is a policy that strives to promote diversity and equal opportunity, and it often falls under the purview of Title VI when incorporated as a measure to address historical disadvantages. Therefore, Option D is the correct answer.
In summary, the true statement about affirmative action is Option D: Affirmative action is a provision of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that encourages diversity in workplace hiring and university admissions.