Research

Administrative History

Executive Order 40 (1976) required all State agencies to file with the Division of Human Rights (D.H.R.) an affirmative action plan for "the prompt achievement of full employment opportunity for minorities, women, and the disabled" (called collectively "protected classes").

D.H.R. reviewed and approved these plans and monitored their implementation. Executive Order 40.1 (1980) transferred the Division's affirmative action responsibilities and records to the Department of Civil Service. The Department at first assigned affirmative action program responsibilities to its Merit System Affirmative Action Office. In 1981 the Office was abolished and the Monitoring Bureau of the newly-created Division of Affirmative Career Programs assigned the task of approving and monitoring agency plans.