After a difficult several years in the realm of federal support for equity and socially just actions and initiatives, we are taking time to celebrate the exciting announcements that have been made by President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. While there is much anxiety and stress still weighing heavy on our communities, especially as the pandemic continues spreading, it is important to find little moments of joy in order to fill our cups with the resolve we need to continue on the road ahead.
The systemic and pervasive injustice in our systems and society will not simply be solved by a series of Executive Actions. However, these actions signal support and understanding of equity and racial justice at the highest level in our country and that signaling enables an expansion of further work and efforts. Without fear of retribution for centering diversity, equity, and inclusion education, our work can continue to improve and invite others in.
This list of actions will be edited as more news is released and resources are created as they relate to DEI work, efforts, and initiatives. We invite you to join us in educating yourself and celebrating these milestones:
Jan 26 – Memorandum on Redressing Our Nation’s and the Federal Government’s History of Discriminatory Housing Practices and Policies
Memorandum full text on Whitehouse.gov
Jan 26 – Memorandum Condemning and Combating Racism, Xenophobia, and Intolerance Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States
Memorandum full text on Whitehouse.gov
Jan 26 – Memorandum on Tribal Consultation and Strengthening Nation-to-Nation Relationships
Memorandum full text on Whitehouse.gov
Jan 26 – Executive Order on Reforming Our Incarceration System to Eliminate the Use of Privately Operated Criminal Detention Facilities
Executive Order full text on Whitehouse.gov
ACLU: Bold and Visionary – A Criminal Justice To-Do List for the New Administration
Jan 25 – Biden Repeals Trump-Era Ban On Transgender Troops
Summary of what this order means in practice by NPR
Human Rights Campaign: Biden’s Reversal of the Ban on Transgender Military Service
Jan 20 – Executive Order on Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation
Executive Order full text on Whitehouse.gov
Summary of what this order means in practice by Human Rights Campaign
ACLU: What President Biden’s LGBTQ Executive Order Does and Doesn’t Do
Jan 20 – Executive Order On Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government
Executive Order full text on Whitehouse.gov
Summary of what this order means in practice by SHRM
Jan 20 – Preserving and Fortifying Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
Executive Order full text on Whitehouse.gov
Jan 20 – Proclamation on Ending Discriminatory Bans on Entry to The United States
Executive Order full text on Whitehouse.gov
ACLU: An End to the Muslim Ban is Just the Beginning