Title VII prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin. This Directive provides policy guidance and standards for establishing and maintaining effective affirmative programs of equal employment opportunity.Affirmative action programs are only allowed in limited circumstances narrowly tailored to address the particular employer's past practices. The purpose of affirmative action is to ensure equal employment opportunities for applicants and employees. Courts may require employers to adopt affirmative action programs as a remedy for discrimination under Title VII. The ruling also raises difficult questions for private employers. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, you cannot base a hiring decision, in whole or in part, on a person's race or gender. Moreover, two Title VII cases the Supreme Court may hear next term could have further ramifications for corporate diversity programs. Established the Office of Federal Contract Compliance (OFCC) in the Department of Labor to administer the order. Public Officials Caution Employers to Reexamine DEI Practices in Wake of U.S. Supreme Court's Affirmative Action Ruling.