In 1985 much attention was focused on Vietnam Era Veterans, attention which had been long overdue. Vietnam Era Veterans are included in SUNY and Research Foundation affirmative action programs as required under Section 402 of the Vietnam Era Veterans' Adjustment Assistance Act of 1974 and NYS Executive Order No. 6. However, because these regulations require neither a utilization analysis nor the establishment of goals and timetables, they tend to be accorded considerably less attention than do regulations governing affirmative action programs for minorities and women. Most employers routinely send vacancy notices to Veterans Administration offices and veterans groups, and veterans preference credit is accorded by the State Civil Service on competitive examinations. Few, however, have developed creative approaches to the hiring, retention and promotion of Vietnam Era Veterans, nor have they engaged in extraordinary outreach to the men and women, many of them members of minority groups, who served in the armed forces in the Vietnam Era. The result is that, despite legislation and regulations, Vietnam Era Veterans show higher rates of unemployment and underemployment and lower salaries when employed than do others in their age cohorts.

In letters received by the University from individual veterans and veterans groups, the most frequently cited complaint is that positions have been denied to Vietnam Era Veterans because they lack experience. Though experience requirements are legitimate and necessary in many cases, certain accommodations can and should be made to ensure that Vietnam Era Veterans are given equal opportunity in competing for positions in the University. Search committees and appointing officers should be aware of the University's continuing commitment to employing and promoting Vietnam Era Veterans and that affirmative action in their behalf is both a Federal and State requirement.