ACLU Statement on Biden’s Executive Order Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities

WASHINGTON — Today, the White House released the Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government Executive Order. The American Civil Liberties Union commends the White House on this new mandate to federal agencies, which represents a necessary step forward in tackling barriers underserved communities face.

In particular, the new executive order requires agencies to use their broad powers to prevent and address algorithmic discrimination. ReNika Moore, director of the ACLU’s Racial Justice Program, had the following reaction:

“We commend the Biden-Harris administration for affirming and advancing the federal government’s commitment to racial equity and inclusion of other underserved communities, including women, LGBTQ people, and people with disabilities. This EO is a major step forward because it obligates federal agencies to focus resources, personnel, and enforcement tools on addressing discrimination both within the federal government and in the private sector.

“Critically, it also directs agencies to act on modern day tools of discrimination such as artificial intelligence and calls for increased engagement and coordination with impacted communities. We look forward to working with the administration to implement these commitments to ensure communities can fight old and new threats to their safety and full participation in our democracy and our economy.”