Washington DC – (January 27, 2021) Yesterday, President Biden issued a set of executive orders promoting equity, equality, and addressing acts of hate and discrimination.
“SALDEF is pleased that the Biden Administration is taking the concerns of minority communities seriously,” said SALDEF Executive Director Kiran Kaur Gill. “The Administration is taking necessary first steps to build trust with diverse communities and reverse the damaging legacy of the Trump Administration’s anti-immigrant and anti-minority policies. We strongly urge President Biden and the new Congress to work with the Sikh American community as it considers new laws and executive actions.”
“SALDEF is pleased that the Administration is taking steps to address discrimination, hate crime, and xenophobia, no matter the community that is targeted. We are pleased that the proclamation directs the Attorney General to take concrete steps to prevent acts of hate and bullying and enforce hate crimes laws in acts that target our community. Further, we are encouraged that the Secretary of Health and Human Services is directed to work with community organizations to ensure that the Sikh American community has culturally competent access to resources, particularly for the Punjabi speaking population, in response to COVID-19,” continued Gill. “We are encouraged that the Adminstration recognizes the negative impacts of housing discrimination and is strengthening enforcement of anti-discrimination law. It is important that the new Administration work to provide equity and opportunity for all.”
The Administration signed an executive order to address the rise in acts of hate and xenophobia targeting the Asian American and Pacific Islander community related to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also directed the Department of Housing and Urban Development to develop guidance on improving equitable housing policies and strengthen enforcement of the Fair Housing Act. It issued a directive to strengthen relationships with Native American tribal governments.