Do employers discriminate by ethnicity even though affirmative action claims they don't?

Question

I'm always skeptical of filling out the affirmative action form, because I feel it waves a sign that says "DISCRIMINATE AGAINST ME PLEASE" :\ Does anyone know the reality of these EEO sections of employment applications. Should everyone just be putting "other" so they don't get discriminated against?

Wow.... good answers. Not fair that I have to choose just one.

Answer 1

Depends on the firm...for instance, Farmers Insurance Group has an internally generated quota...so the regional office in Pocatello, Idaho would hire "ANYONE" who was black irregardless of qualifications simply because there are so few blacks in that state...other companies might be just the opposite....depends

Answer 2

First, EEO information is VOLUNTARY. You don't have to complete that section at all, and an employer can't force you to. Of course, if your last name is Hernandez or Yao, that may not matter too much anyway.

Second, companies that have EEO sections on their applications likely have affirmative action plans and targets. In that case, it's more likely that your ethnic background, gender, etc., would be perceived as a plus if you meet the other requirements of the job. If I have an opportunity to choose between two equally qualified candidates, and one will help me to meet my AAP utilization goals, that's the one that will probably get a job offer.

Answer 3

I usually only see that paperwork AFTER being hired. The EEO form is actually used to prove they DID discriminate in favor of 'underrepresented' groups.