WASHINGTON -- U.S. President Joe Biden has signed an executive order to strengthen measures against hate crimes, including harassment and violence against Asian Americans in the United States.
The President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders was set up by the Friday order to advance equity and end anti-Asian bias in areas such as education.
The establishment of a federal interagency working group was also included in the order. It aims to "end language access and other barriers ... in accessing government benefits and services," "expand the collection and use of disaggregated data" and address barriers to learning such as bullying.
"The Federal government must provide the moral leadership, policies, and programs to address and end anti-Asian violence and discrimination," Biden stated in the order.
"Our Nation has also seen again that anti-Asian bias, xenophobia, racism, and nativism have deep roots in our Nation," Biden's order stated.
The president also said that Asian Americans are among the individuals and communities that are "irrefutable sources" of the strength of the United States.
In the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to violence and discrimination against Asian Americans. On May 20, Biden signed into law the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, to improve the government's response to hate crimes.
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