Biden Vows to Eliminate Obstacles to Diversity in the Military Based on Race, Sex, Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation or Religious Background

Three quarters of a century after President Harry Truman signed an executive order aimed at ensuring that all members of the military are treated equally regardless of their “race, color, religion or national origin,” President Joe Biden has pledged to further advance diversity at “every level of the Department of Defense, including at the highest levels of leadership.”

In a July 26 news statement, Biden praised Truman’s historic 1948 order—issued nearly 16 years before the 1964 Civil Rights Act—as a “vital step forward for our nation.” Military personnel “deserve nothing less than a fair and equitable workplace, from the Secretary of Defense down to the newest recruit.”

Although 40 percent of active-duty service members are people of color, they continue to encounter unacceptable barriers, including underrepresentation in senior leadership positions, bias in the military justice system, and a higher likelihood of receiving dishonorable discharges, Biden said.

“We owe it to them and the entire force to continue working to build a military where equal dignity and equal respect are fully realized,” the president said.

The Department of Defense has implemented measures to address racial bias within its ranks and promote equal opportunities, such as improving transparency in promotion selections and modernizing hair and dress standards, the president’s statement said.

Additionally, there is a commitment to strengthen the military justice system through reforms that aim to improve fairness in the prosecution and defense of serious crimes, which includes implementing random selection of panel members for courts-martial, the statement went on to say.

“America’s greatest strength has always been our diversity, and there is no greater testament to this than the success of our military,” the president said, adding:

“Let us continue to break down barriers so that all qualified servicemembers, no matter their race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or religious background, are treated with dignity and respect, can reach their full potential and have their contributions valued.”