Biden signs executive order for federal agencies to establish ‘equity teams’

On Thursday, President Joe Biden signed an executive order targeting ‘systemic racism’ in the federal government. Signed in honor of Black History month, the order is an extension of another executive order Biden signed on his first day in office. The goal is “to put equity at the center of how this government operates,”  Chiraag Bains, Biden’s deputy assistant for racial justice and equity, told the Associated Press. The initial order called for a comprehensive approach to advancing equity for all an included providing new funding to historically black colleges and other social programs aimed at closing racial disparity gaps. The extension requires federal agencies to investigate inequities within their departments and to proactively address shortcomings; required annually. The aim is to deliver “equitable outcomes” for all Americans, including underserved communities, through government policies, programs, and services. National Review reports the new order also requires federal agencies to establish “equity teams,” with a designated senior leader charged with implementing the administration’s equity goals and “delivering equitable outcomes, to the extent consistent with applicable law.” The executive order also requires the establishment of a new White House steering committee on equity to “coordinate Government-wide efforts to advance equity.” Additionally, it requires federal agencies to be mindful of the impact of “emerging threats” that include “algorithmic discrimination in automated technology.” In announcing the order, Biden wrote that his administration has been a vigorous champion of racial equity and has “embedded a focus on equity into the fabric” of federal policymaking and services, leading to “better decision-making and more equitable outcomes.” Despite his actions, he added that there are still “barriers” to these communities. In order to realize the full promise of our great Nation, “Federal Government has a responsibility to remove these barriers.” “By advancing equity, the Federal Government can support and empower all Americans, including the many communities in America that have been underserved, discriminated against, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality,” Biden continued.