Biden Signs Initiative Calling for ‘Equity and Justice’ for AANHPI Community

May 28, 2021

President Joe Biden appointed a Hawaii native to lead an initiative that calls for equity and justice towards Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) on May 28.

The initiative: Biden signed an executive order that aims to advance “equity, justice and opportunity” for the AANHPI community, according to CNN.

The initiative seeks to decrease anti-Asian violence and bias as well as ensure the AANHPI community will “equitably recover” from both the pandemic and recent attacks.
It will also address the government’s “systemic lack of disaggregated data,” expand language access and assistance programs and encourage AANHPIs to be more “civically engaged,” stated in a White House fact sheet.
Krystal Ka’ai has been appointed by Biden to lead the initiative.

Historic appointment: Ka’ai, the first native Hawaiian to serve as executive director of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, has been serving since 2013.

Ka’ai also previously held roles for the state of Hawaiian as well as the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, reported Hawaii News Now.
“For nearly eight years, Krystal has been a tireless advocate for the AA and NHPI communities as the Executive Director of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC),” said U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele, in a statement to Hawaii News Now. “Krystal’s appointment is historic and she will give a strong voice and representation to Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders at a pivotal moment for our country.”

Other White House Initiatives: The initiative followed the new COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which was signed on May 20.

Biden also signed a presidential memorandum condemning racism and xenophobia and appointed Erica L. Moritsugu as a White House senior liaison to the AAPI community.
In addition, he has created a “historically diverse administration” and has been funding critical research to “prevent and address bias and xenophobia against Asian American communities.”

Featured Image via Getty

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