On January 20, 2021, President Biden signed the Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. This Executive Order establishes that the Biden Administration’s policy is that the federal government will pursue policies that will advance “equity for all including people of color and others who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality.”
The Executive Order revokes Trump Executive Order 13950, Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping, in its entirety. As we reported in our October newsletter, Executive Order 13950 was issued on September 22, 2020, and its stated purpose was to discourage the promotion of “race or sex stereotyping or scapegoating” concepts. Executive Order 13950 also provided that federal grant funds could not be used for these purposes.
School districts should be aware that the Biden administration will approach diversity, equity, and inclusion differently than the Trump administration. School districts also should consult with their legal counsel on any questions regarding changes made to workplace diversity and inclusion training programs.
Contact your HLERK Labor/Personnel attorney with your training questions and Heather Brickman with questions related to federal grant issues.
