September 24, 1965 Executive Order 11246 was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson requiring equal employment opportunity. The order prohibited federal contractors and federally assisted contractors from discriminating in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Contractors were also required to take affirmative action to ensure that applicants were employed, and that employees were treated during employment, without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The order further required contractors to implement affirmative action plans to increase the participation of minorities and women in the workplace if a workforce analysis demonstrated their underrepresentation
