President Biden Signs Executive Order on Racial Equity

YWCA Lancaster is dedicated to our mission to eliminate racism and empower women.  On President Biden’s first day in office, he signed 17 Executive Orders and we were thrilled to see the critical issue of racial equity being addressed on day one.As an organization, the Executive Order On Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government  is vital to advancing our efforts and affirms our belief that racial equity is necessary for our community and for all members within it to thrive.The actions align with our plans to conduct equity assessments; allocate resources to advance fairness; engage with members of underserved communities; use data to guide discussions of equity; continue equity and inclusion training and boldly work across the county with a diverse group of leaders.   The additional Executive Orders signed yesterday also address our concerns of ending the discriminatory Muslim travel ban; rescinding the 1776 commission and report; ensuring protection for LGBTQIA individuals; supporting DACA recipients and stopping the border wall construction.YWCA Lancaster’s Center for Racial and Gender Equity was developed because we understand the importance of knowing our true history and the work needed to dismantle existing systems of racism. Each of these orders impact individuals of historically marginalized communities and we stand with them in solidarity.  We understand deeply, the current crisis’ of COVID-19; unemployment and racism disproportionally impact women and members of our Black and Brown communities, in fact, our national office has issued a Shecession Report.We applaud Presidents Biden’s actions. As a Center, we will continue to advocate for the systemic fair treatment of all people that results in equitable outcomes. Our vision is peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.  We will work until justice, just is.