Statement from Secretary Haaland on the Path Ahead for Racial Equity

Date: Wednesday, April 21, 2021 
Contact: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland released the following statement today: 

“While yesterday’s verdict has brought many a sigh of relief, our work is not done – not even close. My heart is with George Floyd’s daughter and with his family. We must acknowledge the pain that African American communities across the nation and around the world are feeling during these turbulent times and commit ourselves to real progress.  

“Serious inequities exist in this country. We cannot continue with business as normal. We must tackle these issues and build a country where race doesn’t determine access to opportunity, justice, and accountability.  

“The President spoke last night of the challenges ahead. He said, ‘It’s the work we do every day to change hearts and minds as well as laws and policies — that’s the work we have to do.’ That’s the work we all have to do.  

“I am humbled to be on this journey with the dedicated professionals at the Department of the Interior. We must continue to promote equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion at the agency. That means making space for staff to feel heard and safe, lifting up the voices of those who have been underrepresented, and centering those perspectives in the decisions and policies we implement as part of a broader commitment to environmental justice. Only then, can we thrive together.” 

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