US National Security Depends on Embracing a Diverse Nation
Created by, Ms. Ashley Baizas for Washington Premier Group
Almost exactly one year ago, President Biden passed an executive order 13985 in order to strengthen the Federal workforce by promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. President Biden stated that the advancement of equity, civil rights, racial justice, and equal opportunity is the responsibility of the Federal Government who must set a precedent as the Nation’s largest employer. This Executive Order also established that it is the policy of the Biden Administration to cultivate a workforce that draws from the full diversity of the Nation.[1] However, has this Executive Order been effective thus far?
After passing this Executive Order, federal agencies have assessed how their programs and policies perpetuate systemic barriers to opportunity, and developed evidence-based solutions to advance equity. So far, 90 Federal agencies have created what is referred to as, “Equity Action Plans” which are agency-specific commitments used to redress inequities and promote equitable outcomes. In addition, the Biden Administration has committed to holding Federal agencies accountable for results in order to sustain long-term diversity, equity, inclusion, and acessibility in the Federal workforce.[2] With President Biden’s Cabinet being the most diverse in United States history, it is safe to say that this Executive Order is indeed effective so far.
Results of the 2020 census have revealed that the United States is the most racially and ethnically diverse it has ever been in the country's history.[3] Therefore, the idea of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Federal workplace would be nothing but beneficial for the population of the United States. Having a Federal government that is more representative of the different genders, races, and sexualities of the American people promotes inclusivity and respect. While the technical details of implementing this objective are to be discussed, the overall goal would outweigh any difficulties encountered. In the end, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Federal workplace and contracting would be an effective way to promote these same values in all aspects of government and society as a whole.
[1] Biden, Joseph R. “Executive Order on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce.” The White House, The United States Government, 25 June 2021, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/06/25/executive-order-on-diversity-equity-inclusion-and-accessibility-in-the-federal-workforce/.
[2] “Advancing an Equitable Government.” Advancing an Equitable Government | Performance.gov, 9 June 2022, https://www.performance.gov/equity/.
[3] Bureau, U.S. Census. “The Chance That Two People Chosen at Random Are of Different Race or Ethnicity Groups Has Increased since 2010.” Census.gov, 25 Mar. 2022, https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/08/2020-united-states-population-more-racially-ethnically-diverse-than-2010.htm