Affirmative Action Since its inception in the early 1960’s, affirmative action has been ranked among the most controversial issues in the United States. By definition affirmative action is the equal opportunity of women, minorities, and small groups so they will have the same tools, education, and allotment to achieve their goals. Legal scholars and philosophers have examined the relation between affirmative action, justice, and equality, and although definite progress has been made, the debate over affirmative action is as intense as ever. The term “affirmative action” originated in a bill presented to the House of Representatives in 1950, which required that