Pernicious executive order 13950 revoked, yet structural racism looms large

Abstract

This commentary piece discusses the important and harmful outcomes that would have followed the recently signed United States’ Executive Order 13950—Combatting Race and Sex Stereotyping. Put simply, the Executive Order would have seriously restricted federal diversity training content, and federal funding toward training and research work of federal contractors, on structural racism, sexism, and implicit bias. Executive Order 13950 was revoked by President Biden on his Inauguration Day; still, more needs to be done to address structural racism. Below, I describe why trainings that target implicit bias and structural racism and related research—are necessary for the public good. I also talk about critical next steps in trainings, research, and policy for key leadership toward reduction of structural racism. Given the recent change in US presidential administration, this timely paper has important implications for research focused on structural racism. Additionally, this discourse addresses how those in leadership positions within public health, through evaluation and modification of policies, can dramatically hinder or promote racial equity.