Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Blog

Federal Agency Plans Go Live

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. To view the participating agencies or provide feedback, check out our link on the home page here.

Commissioner Spotlight: Doua Thor

My passion for the work of the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders is shaped by my own experiences. I came to this country as a refugee, and I know firsthand the struggles of overcoming discrimination and poverty.  I am the first person in my family to attend college.  Access to a quality education was one of the most important tools to help my brothers and I live up to our full potential.  However, educational barriers continue to be a huge challenge, particularly for Southeast Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and English Language Learners. Education advocates are not only fighting for equal resources for students, but are also up against the Model Minority Myth, which claims that Asian American students achieve above and beyond the general population. At the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center, our education work centers around disaggregating data to ensure that the full story of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community is told so that all children receive a quality education. I believe that this is also, essentially, the work of the Commission – telling the complete story of the AAPI community and exploring ways to improve the lives of those in the community.