President Kennedy became the first to utilize the term "affirmative action" in Executive Order 10925 to ensure that that government contractors "take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and employees are treated during employment, without regard to their
race, creed, color, or national origin."
[17] This executive order realized the government's intent to create equal opportunities for all qualified people. This executive order was eventually amended and superseded by Lyndon B. Johnson's Executive Order 11246 which prevented discrimination based on
race, color, religion, and national origin by organizations which received federal contracts and subcontracts. In 1967, the order was amended to include sex as well.
[18] The Reagan administration was opposed to the affirmative action requirements of Executive Order 11246, but these contemplated changes faced bi-partisan opposition in Congress.
[18]