President Joe Biden has issued an executive order entitled “Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government.” The purpose of the executive order is to require federal government agencies to create “equity teams,” which identify and address barriers that underserved communities face in accessing the agencies’ services. Agencies must create equity teams within 30 days of the executive order, appoint a senior official to lead the team and begin supporting continued equity training and equity leadership development for staff at all levels.
The executive order defines equity as “the consistent and systematic treatment of all individuals in a fair, just, and impartial manner, including individuals who belong to communities that often have been denied such treatment.” Affected communities include individuals of color, members of religious minorities, females, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, individuals who live in rural areas, individuals who live in U.S. territories, and others “adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.”
In response to the executive order, employers, HR professionals, and legal professionals should assess how it may relate to their organizations. In addition, it is likely the order will result in regulations with more specific directives going forward, so organizations should be prepared to follow and act on those directives.
HBL has experience in all areas of benefits and employment law, offering a comprehensive solution to all your business benefits and HR/employment needs. We help ensure you are in compliance with the complex requirements of ERISA and the IRS code, as well as those laws that impact you and your employees. Together, we reduce your exposure to potential legal or financial penalties. Learn more by calling 470-571-1007.
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