Executive Order 13985

On January 20, 2021, Executive Order 13985 was signed by President Joe Biden, marking a significant shift in the federal government's approach to advancing racial equity and supporting underserved communities. This executive order, titled "Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government," aims to address systemic racism and promote equality by leveraging the power of the federal government.

Addressing Systemic Racism and Inequality

Executive Order 13985 recognizes the deep-rooted systemic racism and inequality that have plagued the United States for centuries. It acknowledges that certain communities, particularly those of color, have faced historical and ongoing discrimination, leading to disparities in access to opportunities, resources, and justice.

The order calls for a comprehensive and coordinated effort across federal agencies to identify and dismantle discriminatory policies and practices. It emphasizes the importance of equity, inclusion, and justice in all aspects of governance, striving to create a more just and fair society.

Key Provisions of Executive Order 13985

This executive order encompasses a wide range of initiatives and directives aimed at achieving racial equity and supporting underserved communities. Here are some of the key provisions outlined in the order:

• Equity in Federal Programs: The order mandates federal agencies to analyze their programs and policies to identify and address any discriminatory barriers or disparities. It requires agencies to develop strategies to promote equity and ensure equal access to federal resources.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Executive Order 13985 emphasizes the importance of diverse and inclusive workplaces within the federal government. It directs agencies to establish or enhance diversity and inclusion training programs and encourages the recruitment and promotion of a diverse workforce.
• Community Engagement: The order emphasizes the need for federal agencies to engage and collaborate with communities that have been historically marginalized. It calls for the establishment of advisory councils and the incorporation of community voices in decision-making processes.
• Data Collection and Analysis: To effectively address racial disparities, the order directs federal agencies to improve data collection and analysis. This includes collecting and disaggregating data by race, ethnicity, and other demographic factors to identify and monitor disparities and inform policy decisions.
• Addressing Legacy of Discrimination: Executive Order 13985 acknowledges the long-standing discrimination faced by certain communities, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). It directs federal agencies to review and address policies and practices that perpetuate or exacerbate these disparities.

Implementing Racial Equity Initiatives

To implement the provisions of Executive Order 13985, the Biden administration established the White House Equity Advisory Council. This council is tasked with providing guidance and recommendations to federal agencies on developing and implementing strategies to advance racial equity.

The council brings together experts, advocates, and leaders from various fields, including civil rights, social justice, and community engagement. Their expertise and diverse perspectives are instrumental in shaping policies and initiatives that address systemic racism and promote equality.

Agency-Specific Actions

Each federal agency has been directed to develop and implement its own racial equity action plan. These plans outline specific actions and strategies tailored to the agency’s mission and areas of responsibility. Some notable agency-specific initiatives include:

• Department of Justice (DOJ): The DOJ has focused on addressing racial disparities in the criminal justice system. This includes initiatives to reduce racial bias in policing, improve community engagement, and promote fair and equitable sentencing practices.
• Department of Education (ED): The ED has implemented programs to support underserved students and promote equity in education. This includes initiatives to improve access to high-quality education, address discipline disparities, and support culturally responsive teaching practices.
• Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): The HHS has prioritized addressing racial disparities in healthcare. They have launched initiatives to improve access to healthcare services, address health inequities, and promote cultural competency in healthcare delivery.
• Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): The HUD has taken steps to address housing discrimination and promote fair housing practices. This includes initiatives to combat housing segregation, improve access to affordable housing, and support community development in underserved areas.

Impact and Progress

Since the implementation of Executive Order 13985, significant progress has been made in advancing racial equity and supporting underserved communities. Here are some notable achievements:

• Increased Diversity in Federal Workforce: Efforts to enhance diversity and inclusion have led to a more diverse federal workforce. The administration has implemented targeted recruitment strategies and provided support for underrepresented groups to enter and advance in federal careers.
• Addressing Racial Disparities in Criminal Justice: The DOJ's initiatives have contributed to a reduction in racial disparities in the criminal justice system. This includes a focus on reforming policing practices, promoting fair sentencing, and addressing racial biases in the legal system.
• Improving Educational Opportunities: The ED's initiatives have resulted in increased access to quality education for underserved students. This includes the expansion of programs that support early childhood education, college readiness, and career development for underrepresented groups.
• Reducing Health Disparities: The HHS's efforts have led to improvements in healthcare access and outcomes for marginalized communities. This includes initiatives to address healthcare disparities, increase cultural competency among healthcare providers, and promote health equity research.
• Combating Housing Discrimination: The HUD's initiatives have made significant strides in combating housing discrimination and promoting fair housing practices. This includes the implementation of fair housing enforcement measures, the expansion of affordable housing options, and the promotion of inclusive community development.

Future Implications and Challenges

While significant progress has been made, there are still challenges and ongoing efforts to fully realize the goals of Executive Order 13985. Some key considerations for the future include:

• Sustaining Momentum: Maintaining the momentum and commitment to advancing racial equity requires continuous efforts and collaboration across federal agencies, communities, and stakeholders.
• Addressing Structural Racism: Tackling systemic racism and its deep-rooted causes demands a long-term, comprehensive approach. Ongoing initiatives and policy reforms are necessary to dismantle discriminatory structures and promote lasting change.
• Community Engagement and Empowerment: Engaging and empowering communities that have been historically marginalized is crucial for sustainable progress. Continued collaboration and the incorporation of community voices in decision-making processes are essential.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Improving data collection and analysis is vital to identifying and addressing racial disparities effectively. Ongoing efforts to enhance data infrastructure and ensure data accuracy and accessibility are necessary.

Executive Order 13985 serves as a catalyst for transformative change, driving the federal government to actively address systemic racism and promote racial equity. Through coordinated efforts, community engagement, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, the United States is taking significant steps towards creating a more just and equitable society.