A primary social dilemma today is that current strategies have led to the perception that affirmative action favors some population groups at the expense of others, that in a sense it uses one form of discrimination to combat another. It is essential to reconsider affirmative action strategies to implement those that are most appropriate for today and most likely to lessen racial tensions while ensuring equality. Research provides no findings to support the claim that affirmative action has contributed to growing income gaps in the black community. Public support for equal opportunity has remained constant, but opposition has increased for policies that some perceive as preferential treatment. However, polls indicate that public support is increasing for measures such as education and training programs to help women and minorities compete more successfully. Among this Task Force's recommendations are some aimed at strengthening legal enforcement against discrimination. In the area of education and training, an important recommendation is that support be increased for all socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Another suggestion is that colleges and universities should be encouraged to pursue their own voluntary efforts for student diversity, with race and gender considered among other criteria. Additional suggestions are made for government contracting and policy decisions. (Contains 60 references.) (SLD)