What Was the Fundamental Reason Why Affirmative Action Was Established

What was the fundamental reason why affirmative action was established?

A) to give certain people an unfair advantage over others in the work place
B) to require diversity committees in all organizations with 50 or more employees
C) to combat prejudices against baby boomers still in the workforce
D) to prevent exclusion by racial and gender discrimination
E) to increase global marketing for products and services