Executive Order 13985

Definition

Executive Order 13985 is a directive signed by President Joe Biden on January 20, 2021, aimed at advancing racial equity and support for underserved communities through the federal government. This order emphasizes the importance of embedding equity into all aspects of government operations, guiding federal agencies to assess their policies and programs to ensure they are equitable and inclusive.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Executive Order 13985 mandates a government-wide approach to promoting equity, requiring agencies to identify barriers faced by underserved communities in accessing services.
2. The order builds upon previous executive actions aimed at addressing systemic racism and promoting equity in various sectors, including housing, education, and health care.
3. Under this order, each federal agency must create an Equity Action Plan to outline steps for enhancing equity in their operations and services.
4. The order establishes an interagency steering committee to coordinate efforts and share best practices related to advancing equity across the federal government.
5. Executive Order 13985 is part of a broader agenda of the Biden administration focused on social justice, inclusion, and rectifying historical inequalities.

Review Questions

• How does Executive Order 13985 redefine the role of federal agencies in promoting equity?
  • Executive Order 13985 redefines the role of federal agencies by requiring them to actively assess and revise their policies and programs to ensure equitable access for all individuals, particularly those from underserved communities. This involves identifying barriers that prevent access to services and creating actionable Equity Action Plans. By embedding equity into their operations, agencies are now expected to prioritize fairness in service delivery, marking a significant shift in how they operate.
• Evaluate the potential impact of Executive Order 13985 on policy-making in the United States.
  • The potential impact of Executive Order 13985 on policy-making in the United States is significant as it promotes a comprehensive approach to addressing systemic inequities. By compelling federal agencies to prioritize equity and conduct thorough assessments of their programs, this order aims to transform how policies are developed and implemented. The focus on underserved communities means that future policies could be more inclusive, resulting in improved access to vital services and resources for historically marginalized groups.
• Synthesize the objectives of Executive Order 13985 with previous efforts aimed at racial equity within the federal government.
  • Executive Order 13985 synthesizes its objectives with previous efforts aimed at racial equity by building upon earlier directives that sought to dismantle systemic racism across various sectors. For example, it expands initiatives established under previous administrations that focused on civil rights enforcement and equitable access to federal programs. This continuity highlights a commitment to not only address past injustices but also to create a more just framework for future governance, thereby ensuring that racial equity remains a priority in all areas of federal policymaking.

Related terms

Equity: Equity refers to fairness and justice in policy-making, ensuring that all individuals have equal access to opportunities and resources regardless of their background.

Underserved Communities: Underserved communities are groups of individuals who have been historically marginalized or disadvantaged, often facing barriers to accessing essential services and opportunities.

Federal Agencies: Federal agencies are government organizations that implement federal laws and policies, each with specific missions and responsibilities within the executive branch.