Washington, D.C. — Today, President Joe Biden issued a second executive order to extend and strengthen federal actions to enhance equitable processes and outcomes for the American people. This action builds on the critical mandates contained in the president’s Day 1 executive order to advance racial equity throughout the federal government. In response, Edwith Theogene, senior director for Racial Equity and Justice at the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement:
This executive order is crucial to enhancing the federal government’s progress on advancing racial equity. It contains key directives to launch a new annual process to strengthen racial equity and support for underserved communities; strengthens community partnerships and engagement to be more proactive and meaningful; invests in underserved communities, including by expanding procurement opportunities for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses; improves economic opportunity in rural and urban communities; addresses emerging civil rights risks, such as algorithmic discrimination; and promotes data equity and transparency. Moreover, the directive empowers federal equity leaders across the federal government and establishes a White House Steering Committee on Equity.
Conservative leaders continue to undermine the pressing need for racial equity in America, ignoring the painful history and ongoing legacy of racial discrimination. The administration’s renewed racial equity commitments are vital for ensuring people of color can fully and fairly participate in our society. We applaud President Biden for taking these important actions to accelerate the much-needed but ongoing march toward racial justice in America.
For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Madia Coleman at [email protected].