After 4 years of working on the road, Diane Harrison applied for a less strenuous desk job as road dispatcher. At the time, none of the county transportation skilled positions was held by a woman and Diane knew that two years ago, the county had enacted a voluntary affirmative action policy to correct that imbalance.

Harrison has 18 years of clerical experience and 5 years on the road crew. Another candidate, Edward Jones had 11 years of road clerk (clerical) experience and 4 years of road experience. He also had 2 years of working dispatcher in a private company.

The position of road dispatcher required 4 years of either dispatcher or road experience with the county. Twelve people applied for the job, 9 were deemed qualified by the selection committee. Selection interviews were conducted and 7 applicants scored over 70 points (the minimum score needed). Jones scored 75(second highest score) along with another candidate and Harrison scored 70(third highest score). The person who scored the highest withdrew from the selection process. Three supervisors (all male) recommended Jones be hired and the county's affirmative action coordinator recommended Harrison be hired. Harrison was offered the position and accepted. Jones filed a lawsuit against the county claiming reverse discrimination.

a. Was this a case of discrimination? Explain your reasoning based on facts from the short case.

b. Is this a case where an affirmative action program violates the rights of the majority to the extent that diversity cannot be achieved without discrimination? Explain.