By White House Initiative on Asian Americans and
Pacific Islanders
Today the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific
Islanders Interagency Working Group (IWG) released the first set of
agency plans to increase Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI)
access to the federal government.
"The agency plans are part of the Administration's commitment to
assure that all Americans have a seat at the table," said U.S. Secretary
of Education Arne Duncan, who serves as Initiative co-chair with U.S.
Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke. "We have an extraordinary opportunity
to break down barriers and address challenges that the AAPI community
has faced for decades as a result of the model minority myth."
"From health disparities and language access to data disaggregation
and bullying/harassment, AAPIs have unique needs that the federal
government will make every effort to address," said Locke.
Executive Order 13515 mandates that agencies develop plans to
increase access to and participation in federal programs in which AAPIs
remain undeserved. Twenty-three participating agencies developed agency
plans over a four-month period with input from numerous offices within
each agency, AAPI community groups and the President's Advisory
Commission on AAPIs. Each plan details the agency's strategic activities
and performance outcomes for the next one to two years.
"The agency plans will drive the Administration's effort to improve
the quality of life for AAPIs," Initiative Executive Director Kiran
Ahuja said. "In order for the federal government to take meaningful
steps, it is crucial that people go online, view the plans, and provide
feedback."
Plans will be released on a rolling basis through the end of
February. The public comment period will be open for 30 days from the
posting date of each plan.
View Agency List or Provide Feedback
