Why is race/ethnicity data currently gathered from applicants and employees?

The University of California uses race/ethnicity data in the statistical evaluation of employment and contracting policies to ensure compliance with its own employment policies and with federal and state regulations (including Proposition 209) regarding equal employment opportunity for all employees, including applicants. As a federal contractor, UC is further required to establish and maintain an affirmative action program that includes good faith efforts to ensure that women and minorities can compete for jobs on equal footing with other applicants and employees. Affirmative action programs require employers to collect data to identify and analyze potential problems in the participation and utilization of women and minorities in their work force.