Department of Justice Equity Action Plan
Equity Action Plan 2022
Read the complete Department of Justice Equity Action Plan.
Executive Summary
The Department of Justice’s mission is to “enforce the law and defend the interests of the United States according to the law; to ensure public safety against threats foreign and domestic; to provide federal leadership in preventing and controlling crime; to seek just punishment for those guilty of unlawful behavior; and to ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans.” As the Attorney General has explained: “Advancing equal justice under law is a core principle of the Department of Justice. Established during Reconstruction, in the aftermath of the Civil War, the Department’s first mission was to secure the civil rights promised by the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments.” Since then, the Department has continued its foundational work of ensuring that no individuals are denied the freedoms and protections guaranteed by the Constitution.
Since January 20, 2021, the Department has taken many steps to advance equity for marginalized and underserved communities. The Department has prioritized five action items to further advance that work:
A. leveraging federal funds provided by the Department to (a) encourage grantees to include equity considerations in the provision of federally funded services, (b) enhance data collection to identify and take action to address disparities in access to the Department’s programs or services based on demographic factors, and (c) better ensure that grantees are complying with non-discrimination mandates;
B. improving access to funding opportunities for organizations that are led by, or primarily serve, historically marginalized and underserved populations;
C. reducing language barriers that make it difficult for individuals with limited English proficiency to access Department programs or activities, communicate public safety concerns, or vindicate their rights;
D. improving the Department’s engagement with stakeholders in underserved communities and disadvantaged groups in order to establish enduring relationships with them and enhancing the public’s awareness of the Department’s expansive mission and resources; and
E. increasing opportunities for small businesses located in Historically Underutilized Business Zones to secure Department contracts.
The Department believes each of these action items will substantially advance equity and civil rights and, further, will promote public safety by increasing trust and communication between the Department and the communities it serves.