White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics, 51581-51587 [2021-20165]

Agencies

• Executive Office of the President

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 177 (Thursday, September 16, 2021)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 51581-51587]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-20165]




                        Presidential Documents 



Federal Register / Vol. 86 , No. 177 / Thursday, September 16, 2021 / 
Presidential Documents

[[Page 51581]]


                Executive Order 14045 of September 13, 2021

                
White House Initiative on Advancing Educational 
                Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for 
                Hispanics

                By the authority vested in me as President by the 
                Constitution and the laws of the United States of 
                America, it is hereby ordered as follows:

                Section 1. Policy. Nearly 14 million students in our 
                Nation's public elementary and secondary school system 
                and nearly 4 million students in post-secondary 
                education are Hispanic. Hispanic students constitute 
                more than 27 percent of all pre-kindergarten through 
                12th grade students and nearly 20 percent of college 
                students. The Nation's future prosperity and global 
                leadership across industries is therefore tied to the 
                success of Hispanic and Latino students, and their 
                success is a priority of my Administration.

                From advancements in science and civil and labor rights 
                to leadership in government, advocacy, 
                entrepreneurship, and business, the Hispanic community 
                has had a profound and positive impact on our schools, 
                our communities, our economy, and our Nation. Hispanic 
                and Latino communities encompass many racial and 
                cultural identities that span the globe. The diversity 
                of Hispanic and Latino students makes our classrooms 
                across the country rich learning environments. It is 
                important to ensure that from early childhood to higher 
                education, Hispanic and Latino students, including 
                Dreamers, can reach their highest potential. For many 
                Hispanic and Latino students, Hispanic-Serving 
                Institutions (HSIs) provide critical pathways to 
                opportunity, and hundreds of HSIs across our Nation are 
                advancing intergenerational mobility, success, and 
                opportunity.

                At the same time, Hispanic and Latino students face 
                systemic inequitable barriers in accessing a high-
                quality education and a fair shot at the American 
                dream. Only 40 percent of Latino children participate 
                in preschool education programs as compared to 53 
                percent of their White peers. Due to systemic and 
                historical inequities faced in the classroom, the high 
                school graduation rate for Hispanic students is below 
                the national average. Hispanic students are 
                underrepresented in advanced courses in mathematics and 
                science, and they can face language barriers in the 
                classroom. Only 19 percent of Latino adults have at 
                least a bachelor's degree compared with 1 in 3 overall, 
                and just 6 percent have completed graduate or 
                professional degree programs, versus 13 percent 
                nationally. Further, the lack of availability of adult 
                continuing education courses makes it difficult for 
                many Hispanic adults to further their education. In 
                addition, barriers to equity in education can compound 
                and intersect for Hispanic and Latino students who are 
                women and girls, LGBTQ+ individuals, English language 
                learners, and individuals with disabilities.

                The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare and exacerbated 
                many of these inequities. Hispanic and Latino students 
                are more likely than their White peers to experience 
                remote learning arrangements, yet they have less access 
                to the tools necessary to succeed, such as broadband 
                and computer access. Hispanic women have been adversely 
                impacted by job loss, a lack of access to child care, 
                and the inability to provide care, in greater numbers 
                than their White counterparts. These and pre-existing 
                disparities have led to declines in student achievement 
                for Hispanic students. Latino students--once the 
                fastest-growing group of undergraduates in the United 
                States--have seen a decline in undergraduate college 
                attendance amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a 
                priority of my Administration to ensure an equitable

[[Page 51582]]

                recovery from COVID-19, and to provide Hispanic and 
                Latino students with a successful return to the 
                classroom.

                These barriers exist not simply in the classroom, but 
                also in the workplace. Hispanic workers are 
                overrepresented in industries that have been hit 
                hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic, and they have faced 
                disproportionate losses in employment. Hispanic and 
                Latino workers often face discrimination in hiring, 
                pay, and consideration for promotions among other 
                challenges. They need greater access to work-based 
                learning opportunities such as mentorships, 
                internships, and registered apprenticeships that not 
                only guide employment seekers to a career, but provide 
                the experience needed to secure well-paying jobs.

                To ensure that our Nation reaches the ambitious goals 
                we have set for our economy to thrive, as well as to 
                ensure equal access to opportunity for all, we must 
                enable Hispanic and Latino students to reach their 
                highest potential through our Nation's schools and 
                institutions of higher education. The Federal 
                Government must also collaborate with Hispanic and 
                Latino communities to ensure their long-term success.

                It is the policy of my Administration to advance 
                educational equity, excellence, and economic 
                opportunity for Hispanic communities from early 
                childhood until their chosen career.

                Sec. 2. White House Initiative on Advancing Educational 
                Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for 
                Hispanics.

                    (a) To advance equity in our Nation's schools and 
                to promote the economic opportunity that follows it, 
                there is established in the Department of Education 
                (Department), the White House Initiative on Advancing 
                Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic 
                Opportunity for Hispanics (Initiative), of which the 
                Secretary of Education (Secretary) shall serve as 
                Chair. The Secretary shall designate an Executive 
                Director for the Initiative (Executive Director).
                    (b) The Initiative shall advance educational equity 
                and economic opportunity for Latino and Hispanic 
                students, families, and communities by focusing on the 
                following policy goals:

(i) increasing general understanding of systemic causes of educational 
challenges faced by many Hispanic and Latino students, whether these 
students are in urban, suburban, rural, or migrant learning environments, 
and working across Federal agencies to address these challenges;

(ii) increasing Hispanic and Latino children's and families' access to and 
participation in high-quality early childhood programs and services that 
promote children's healthy development and learning, prepare them for 
success in school, and affirm their cultural and linguistic identity;

(iii) addressing the inequitable treatment of Hispanic and Latino children, 
such as eradicating disparities in disciplinary actions;

(iv) supporting and improving data collection related to Hispanic and 
Latino students and the implementation of evidence-based strategies to 
increase the participation and success of Hispanic and Latino students in 
all levels of education and prepare them for careers and civic engagement;

(v) ensuring that all Hispanic and Latino students have access to excellent 
teachers, school leaders, and other professionals, including by supporting 
efforts to improve the recruitment, preparation, development, and retention 
of qualified, diverse teachers and school leaders and other professionals 
who understand students' lived experiences and can effectively meet their 
learning, social, and emotional needs;

(vi) enhancing student support services and fostering positive engagement 
among schools, families, community leaders, and community-based 
organizations to increase the high school graduation and post-secondary 
attendance rates and decrease the high school dropout rate for Hispanic and 
Latino students;

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(vii) promoting a positive school climate that supports equitable access to 
and participation in college-readiness, advanced placement courses, and 
internship opportunities, as well as innovative dropout prevention and 
recovery strategies that better engage Hispanic and Latino youth in their 
learning, help them progress academically as needed, and provide those who 
have left the educational system with pathways to reentry;

(viii) eliminating discriminatory enrollment, housing, transportation, and 
other policies that lead to racial and socioeconomic segregation among and 
within schools;

(ix) ensuring equitable access to educational resources, professionals, and 
technology, including by addressing racial disparities in school funding 
and expenditures;

(x) breaking down barriers that impede the access of higher education 
institutions that serve Hispanic and Latino students, such as HSIs, to 
Federal funding, and strengthening the capacity of those institutions to 
participate in Federal programs and partnerships;

(xi) advancing racial equity and economic opportunity by connecting 
education to labor market needs through programs such as dual enrollment, 
career and technical education, registered apprenticeships, work-based 
learning, and career advancement, particularly in the fields of science, 
technology, engineering, and mathematics; and

(xii) ensuring that Hispanic and Latino communities have access to 
resources for economic success, such as in the areas of financial 
education, small business development, entrepreneurship, arts, science, 
technology, engineering, and mathematics.

                    (c) In working to fulfill its mission and 
                objectives, the Initiative shall, consistent with 
                applicable law:

(i) identify and promote evidence-based best practices that can provide 
Hispanic and Latino students with a rigorous and well-rounded education in 
safe and healthy environments, as well as access to support services, that 
will improve their educational, professional, economic, and civic 
opportunities;

(ii) advance and coordinate efforts to ensure equitable opportunities for 
Hispanic and Latino students in the re-opening process for schools across 
the country, and take steps to ensure that Hispanic and Latino students, 
from early childhood to post-secondary education, can equitably recover 
from learning losses and other challenges faced during the COVID-19 
pandemic;

(iii) encourage and develop partnerships with a national network of early 
childhood and early intervention providers, schools, institutions of higher 
education, and other public, private, philanthropic, and nonprofit 
stakeholders to improve access to educational equity and economic 
opportunities for Hispanics and Latinos;

(iv) monitor and support the development, implementation, and coordination 
of Federal Government educational, workforce, research, and business 
development policies, programs, and technical assistance designed to 
improve outcomes for historically underserved communities, including 
Hispanics and Latinos;

(v) work closely with the Executive Office of the President on key 
Administration priorities related to education, equity, and economic 
opportunity for Hispanics and Latinos; and

(vi) advise the Secretary on issues of importance and policies relating to 
educational equity, excellence, and economic opportunity for Hispanics and 
Latinos.

                    (d) The Initiative shall establish a Federal 
                Interagency Working Group, which shall be convened by 
                the Executive Director and shall support the efforts of 
                the Initiative. The Interagency Working Group shall 
                collaborate

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                regarding resources and opportunities available across 
                the Federal Government to increase educational and 
                economic opportunities for Hispanics and Latinos.

(i) The Interagency Working Group shall consist of senior officials 
(designated by the heads of their respective departments, agencies, and 
offices) from the following:

  (A) the Department of State;

  (B) the Department of the Treasury;

  (C) the Department of Defense;

  (D) the Department of Justice;

  (E) the Department of the Interior;

  (F) the Department of Agriculture;

  (G) the Department of Commerce;

  (H) the Department of Labor;

  (I) the Department of Health and Human Services;

  (J) the Department of Housing and Urban Development;

  (K) the Department of Transportation;

  (L) the Department of Energy;

  (M) the Department of Education;

  (N) the Department of Veterans Affairs;

  (O) the Department of Homeland Security;

  (P) the White House Office of Management and Budget;

  (Q) the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy;

  (R) the Small Business Administration;

  (S) the White House Domestic Policy Council;

  (T) the White House Gender Policy Council;

  (U) the White House Office of Public Engagement;

  (V) the National Science Foundation;

  (W) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration;

  (X) the United States Agency for International Development; and

  (Y) such additional executive departments, agencies, and offices as the 
Secretary may designate.

(ii) The Executive Director may establish subgroups of the Interagency 
Working Group to focus on different aspects of the educational system (such 
as HSIs, early childhood education, kindergarten through 12th grade 
education, children and adults with disabilities, teacher diversity, higher 
education, career and technical education, adult education, or correctional 
education and reengagement), economic opportunity (work-based learning, 
entrepreneurship, financial education, or mentorship) or educational 
challenges facing particular populations.

                    (e) Each executive department and agency (agency) 
                designated to participate in the Interagency Working 
                Group shall prepare a plan (Agency Plan) outlining 
                measurable actions the agency will take to advance 
                educational equity and economic opportunity for 
                Hispanic and Latino communities, including their plans 
                to implement the policy goals and directives outlined 
                in section 2(b) of this order and other relevant work. 
                These plans shall be submitted to the Chair on a date 
                established by the Chair.

(i) As appropriate, each Agency Plan shall include:

  (A) a description of the applicable agency's efforts to ensure that 
Federal programs and initiatives administered by the Department and other 
agencies are meeting the educational needs of Hispanics and Latinos, 
including

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by encouraging the agency to incorporate best practices into appropriate 
discretionary programs where the agency sees fit and as permitted by law;

  (B) a description of how the applicable agency has and will decrease 
barriers to participation of Hispanics and Latinos in Federal employment 
and student engagement opportunities;

  (C) a description of how the applicable agency can address challenges 
facing Hispanic and Latino students and higher education institutions that 
serve Hispanic and Latino students, such as HSIs, brought on by or 
exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic;

  (D) a description of how the agency's Office of Civil Rights, if 
applicable, can address discriminatory policies and practices that limit 
educational and economic opportunity for Hispanics and Latinos;

  (E) any other information the applicable agency determines is relevant to 
promoting educational opportunities for Hispanics and Latinos; and

  (F) any additional criteria established by the Chair or the Initiative.

(ii) Each agency shall assess and report to the Chair on their progress in 
implementing the Agency Plan on a regular basis as established by the 
Chair.

(iii) The Initiative shall monitor and evaluate each agency's progress 
towards the goals established in its Agency Plan and shall coordinate with 
the agency to ensure that its Plan includes measurable and action-oriented 
goals.

                    (f) The Department shall provide funding and 
                administrative support for the Initiative and the 
                Interagency Working Group, to the extent permitted by 
                law and within existing appropriations. To the extent 
                permitted by law, including the Economy Act (31 U.S.C. 
                1535), other agencies and offices represented on the 
                Interagency Working Group may detail personnel to the 
                Initiative, to assist the Department in meeting the 
                objectives of this order.
                    (g) To advance shared priorities and policies that 
                advance equity and economic opportunity for underserved 
                communities, the Initiative shall collaborate and 
                coordinate with other White House Initiatives related 
                to equity and opportunity.
                    (h) On an annual basis, the Chair shall report to 
                the President on the Initiative's progress in carrying 
                out its mission and function under this order.

                Sec. 3. Presidential Advisory Commission. (a) There is 
                established in the Department a Presidential Advisory 
                Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, 
                and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics (Commission).

                    (b) The Commission shall provide advice to the 
                President through the Secretary on matters pertaining 
                to educational equity and economic opportunity for the 
                Hispanic and Latino community, including:

(i) what is needed for the development, implementation, and coordination of 
educational programs and initiatives at the Department and other agencies 
to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for Hispanics and 
Latinos;

(ii) how to promote career pathways for in-demand jobs for Hispanic and 
Latino students, including registered apprenticeships, internships, 
fellowships, mentorships, and work-based learning initiatives;

(iii) ways to strengthen the capacity of institutions, such as HSIs, to 
equitably serve Hispanic and Latino students and increase the participation 
of Hispanic and Latino students, Hispanic-serving school districts, and the 
Hispanic community in the programs of the Department and other agencies;

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(iv) how to increase public awareness of and generate solutions for the 
educational and training challenges and equity disparities that Hispanic 
and Latino students face and the causes of these challenges; and

(v) approaches to establish local and national partnerships with public, 
private, philanthropic, and nonprofit stakeholders to advance the mission 
and objectives of this order, consistent with applicable law.

                    (c) The Commission shall periodically report to the 
                President, through the Secretary and after consulting 
                with the Executive Director, on progress in addressing 
                the mission of the Commission.
                    (d) The Commission shall consist of not more than 
                21 members appointed by the President. The Commission 
                may include individuals with relevant experience or 
                subject matter expertise, as well as individuals who 
                may serve as representatives from a variety of sectors, 
                including education (early childhood education, 
                elementary and secondary education, higher education, 
                career and technical education, and adult education), 
                labor organizations, research institutions, public and 
                private philanthropic organizations, private sector, 
                nonprofit, and community-based organizations at the 
                national, State, Tribal, regional, or local levels. 
                Commission members should be able to provide specific 
                insight into the lived experiences of those served by 
                the Initiative, including young adults, and have 
                diversity across the diaspora and the geography of the 
                country.

(i) The President shall designate one member of the Commission to serve as 
its Chair. The Chair, in consultation with the Executive Director, shall 
convene regular meetings of the Commission, determine the Commission 
meeting agenda, and support the work of the Commission, consistent with 
this order.

(ii) The Commission shall meet on a regular basis, and at least twice a 
year.

                    (e) The Department shall provide funding and 
                administrative support for the Commission, to the 
                extent permitted by law and within existing 
                appropriations. Members of the Commission shall serve 
                without compensation but shall be allowed travel 
                expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as 
                authorized by law for persons serving intermittently in 
                the Government service (5 U.S.C. 5701-5707). Insofar as 
                the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 
                U.S.C. App.), may apply to the administration of the 
                Commission, any functions of the President under that 
                Act, except that of reporting to the Congress, shall be 
                performed by the Secretary, in accordance with 
                guidelines issued by the Administrator of General 
                Services.
                    (f) The Commission shall terminate 2 years from the 
                date of this order, unless extended by the President.

                Sec. 4. Administrative Provisions. (a) This order 
                supersedes Executive Order 13935 of July 9, 2020 (White 
                House Hispanic Prosperity Initiative), which is hereby 
                revoked. To the extent that there are other Executive 
                Orders that may conflict with or overlap with the 
                provisions in this order, the provisions in this order 
                supersede those other Executive Orders on these 
                subjects.

                    (b) The heads of agencies shall assist and provide 
                information to the Initiative and Commission 
                established in this order, consistent with applicable 
                law, as may be necessary to carry out the functions of 
                the Initiative and Commission.
                    (c) Each agency shall bear its own expenses of 
                participating in the Initiative established in this 
                order.

                Sec. 5. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order 
                shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or 
the head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget 
relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

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                    (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with 
                applicable law and subject to the availability of 
                appropriations.
                    (c) This order is not intended to, and does not, 
                create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, 
                enforceable at law or in equity by any party against 
                the United States, its departments, agencies, or 
                entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any 
                other person.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

                THE WHITE HOUSE,

                    September 13, 2021.

[FR Doc. 2021-20165
Filed 9-15-21; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F1-P