March 6, 1961

President John F. Kennedy issued an executive order (#10925) that government contractors take” affirmative action” to ensure that applicants are employed and treated without taking into consideration their race, religion, color, or nationality. The original intent of the order was to create an equal opportunity for everyone and to take positive action to strengthen efforts to realize true equal opportunity for all. This executive order was later superseded by Executive Order 11246 in 1965.

July 2, 1964

Civil Rights Act was signed by President Lyndon Johnson, which prohibited discrimination of all kinds based on race, color, religion, or national origin.

Sept. 24, 1965

Issued by President Johnson, the executive order requires government contractors to "take affirmative action" toward possible minority employees in all aspects of hiring and employment. Contractors must take certain measures to ensure equality in hiring and were required to document all their efforts.

Oct. 13, 1967

The order was amended to cover discrimination on the basis of gender by President Johnson.