The Japanese American National Museum Supports a New Executive Order that Addresses Racial Inequity

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Japanese American National Museum (JANM) supports President Biden’s signing of Executive Order 13985. Known as the Executive Order on Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities through the Federal Government, the legislation addresses systemic barriers that hold communities of color back from prosperity.

The executive order establishes a new annual process requiring federal agencies to talk with communities of color as they develop their own annual public equity action plans that analyze barriers the communities face and offer solutions for access to policies and programs. Leaders will also be assigned to ensure that the federal agencies are in compliance with the equity mandate. Another major element of the executive order is addressing civil rights risks.

“By signing this new executive order, President Biden invests in underserved communities, advances racial equity, and removes long-standing obstacles to making this nation more diverse and unified. This executive order is an important step towards ensuring that the federal government levels the playing field for younger generations now and into the future,” said Ann Burroughs, President and CEO of JANM.

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