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This thesis discusses the evolution, development, and future of affirmative action in government. Executive Order 11246 formally created affirmative action in 1965 as a remedy for underuse of minorities and women in the workplace and classroom. Many private businesses believe government organizations promote diversity and social equity. Many local government organizations attempt to balance the demographics of senior minority leaders with the demographics of the employment population, and the demographics of the employment population with the demographics of the community. This may be difficult, since many individuals promoted to middle managers and senior executives have longevity within the organization. Consequently, the perception is that some organizations establish glass ceilings, quotas, or goals, and use inappropriate practices to reach these goals. This strategy has led many to believe that affirmative action promotes hiring individuals on the basis of their race, color, creed, gender, or national origin without regard to their qualifications. Some argue there is no longer a need for affirmative action, but an analysis of middle managers and senior executives within government organizations may show a disparity of minorities and women in leadership positions. The personnel manager has the challenge of trying to satisfy the needs of affirmative action programs while hiring the most qualified applicant for the job. Several court cases have established some precedence on the rulings involving affirmative action. Court rulings identified some of the shortcomings with affirmative action in private businesses and government. In retrospect, the future of affirmative action is uncertain. Political issues and court decisions challenge government officials to continue promoting social equality and workforce diversity. If a nation free of prejudice and inequality can be established, there will no longer be a need for affirmative action. Contains a 37-item bibliography. (Author/BT)

1Boy Crusoe

By Allan Eric

Also published as" A Yankee Crusoe" . A 15 year old hard working and studious farm boy finds the lure of adventure on the seas as a merchant seaman more than he can resist. This is his story. " I was born in a little town in the State of Maine, near the close of the Civil War. My boyhood life did not differ materially from that of the average farmer's son in the remote country districts of New England--except, perhaps, that I read more and thought more. Hard work on the rugged soil, two terms each year in the little yellow country schoolhouse, a day's fishing now and then filled the early years of my life full to over-flowing. " What he gets is enough excitement and adventure to overflow his wildest dreams. How he experiences disaster and uses his wits and knowledge to overcome every problem makes for a great read. - Summary by Phil Chenevert