AboutJohn Fuller Expertise I can answer questions pertaining to Affirmative Action, how an affirmative action plan is developed, definitations included within an affirmative action plan, goals versus quotas, misperceptions, rolling out the affirmative action plan with specific action items and areas that are action items. I can answer questions pertaining to Civil Rights violations, investigations of violations and methods and means to be proactive to ensure awareness of civil rights. I am not an attorney and cannot answer or provide information relating to legal, court-related, or case law.
Experience Experience in the area
Diversity,EEO, and Affirmative Action Officer for Johns Hopkins Hospital
EEO, Ethics, and Affirmative Action Officer for Fortune 300
Deputy Director, Equal Opportunity for the Department of Defense
Equal Opportunity Management Institute
Organizations
Board of Directors, National Council for Support of Disability Issues
Board of Direcdtors, Institute for MultiTrack Diplomacy
Maryland Association of Affirmative Action Officers
Publications
Guest expert discussing discrimination, sexual harassment in the workplace and affirmative action on over 45 radio stations nationwide
Education/Credentials
Doctor of Education
Master of Science, Leadership & Business Ethics
Master of Arts, Education
Virginia and Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator
Department of Defense Certified Mediator
Question Is it true that all race-based and sex-based affirmative action involves quotas?
Answer Hi Melody!
Affirmative Action Plans are based upon actual percentages of how many employees are underrepresented minorities, women, and people with disabilities a company currently employs. There are no separate race or sex based plans because race and sex are combined within a plan. Then there are goals established that are based upon current availability of qualified individuals of the above categories within a given recruiting metropolitan area or a combination of that recruiting metro area and nationally depending upon the position being recruited for. Affirmative Action is just what the name implies which is taking affirmative actions to create a diverse pool of applicants to ensure a company is given the opportunity to interview the best possible candidate. There are no quotas in any plans unless they are court ordered which is very rare. A court order would only create a quota if there is indisputable evidence that the employer intended to discriminate or has shown a pattern if discrimination over a period of years. Since nationally there is a lack of qualified employees, it is imperative that employers take those affirmative actions to create an applicant pool. Who the eventual selection is is still up to the hiring official and yes they can select white males if there are minority candidates who are less qualified. I am glad that is so because I am a white male, competed against minority candidates but was selected because I was the best qualified. The more information out there regarding affirmative action and its actual definition is valuable because we do not want to have the feeling that it is quota based when in fact, the overwhelming majority of plans are not. If you have any further questions regarding this topic, please feel free to contact me.
