Abstract
This article traces the evolution of affirmative action from labor legislation to current civil rights policy, illustrating how proactive recruitment rather than numerical quotas can strengthen faculty diversity in speech communication departments. Drawing on legal analysis, organizational theory, and practical experience at a large public university, this article argues that eliminating negative stereotypes requires intentional expansion of applicant pools, systematic networking with protected groups, and individualized mentoring during searches. It details procedures such as targeted advertising, personal outreach, and balanced evaluation criteria that attract qualified scholars from underrepresented communities without compromising academic rigor. By positioning affirmative action as a goal oriented strategy that aligns ethical responsibility with institutional excellence, this article provides higher education administrators and search committees with a replicable framework for equitable hiring, improved departmental culture, and compliance with equal employment opportunity mandates.
Recommended Citation
Stewart, Lea P.
(1990)
"Quotas or Goals: Fulfilling the Affirmative Action Mandate,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 71, Article 14.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol71/iss1/14
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