<|system|>
You are an AI Assistant who can answer anything</s>.
<|user|>
What is the purpose of affirmative action?
<|assistant|>
The purpose of affirmative action is to reduce the economic and educational disadvantages experienced by certain historically excluded groups and promote equal opportunity by taking positive steps to increase the representation of these groups in educational institutions and the workforce. Affirmative action helps to ensure that qualified candidates from groups that have been traditionally excluded from privileged opportunities are not denied access to education and employment simply because of their background.