President Biden Signs Executive Orders Advancing Racial Equity

 Saying the nation "has faced deep racial inequities and systematic racism that has plagued our society far too long,"  President Joe Biden, accompanied by Vice President Kamala Harris, signed a series of Executive Orders advancing racial equity in the federal government.

Citing the George Floyd murder as the "knee on the neck of justice"  as a "turning point in this country's attitude towards racial justice," and the increasing inequities in minority income levels, housing and food, security, and COVID 19 infection/fatality rates as the reason to "act now," lift everyone up, and "open the promise of America to everyone," President Biden signed Executive Orders that would:

• "Advance equity in all federal policies and institutions for all demographic groups.
• Have the Housing and Urban Development address past racism in federal housing policies.
• Respecting tribal sovereignty in reengaging with Native American Nations.
• Combat xenophobia on all foreign groups, especially Asians and Pacific Islanders.
• End the Justice Department's use of private prisons that are less safe and humane."

President Biden also called on Congress to enact the renewal and expansion of the Voting Rights Act and "fight back against any states that are engaged in suppressing the right to vote while also expanding voting access for all eligible voters."

Biden called this the "battle for the soul of the nation" and a fight to make everyone in the country more "prosperous, successful, and secure."

Reacting to the President's signing of these Executive Orders, new Arizona Democratic Party Chairperson Raquel Teran issued a statement, relaying:

"Today reaffirms that Democrats are committed to racial equity. The pursuit of equity is more than just aspirational policy that seeks to address the issues of the present, it’s also about recognizing and addressing the fact that communities of color are starting at a real disadvantage."

"Our party knows that when any community does not have representation their voices are not heard, and this has been the case for far too long. We are thrilled to see these actions being taken from the top of our Government that will enact positive change in communities of color, especially the Black community."

"We need policing reform, we need fair and just housing policy, and we need to confront xenophobia in our society - that starts with being honest about our past failings. Today’s orders are a step in the right direction but there is more work that needs to be done. Arizona Democrats will continue to fight for communities of color and move our state towards a more equitable future.”

As President Biden said just before he signed the Executive Orders, the change will not happen overnight.

But Racial Equity will be achieved.