Biden directs agencies to fight anti-Asian racism during COVID-19

President Joe Biden issues a memorandum on January 26, 2021, directing federal agencies to combat racism, xenophobia, and intolerance against Asian American and Pacific Islander communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The memorandum says political leaders and public officials have a responsibility to avoid language that fuels stigma and discrimination. It directs agencies to improve language access, data collection, and public messaging. The federal government formally recognizes anti-Asian racism tied to pandemic rhetoric and directs agencies to respond.