Rush Calls for Commission to Study, Report Systemic Racism, Lack of Diversity in Federal Government

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) announced the introduction of the Abolish the Last Great Plantation in America Resolution, which would establish a Congressional Commission to address racism and lack of diversity in the United States Federal Government and report steps the Federal Government may take to eliminate racism and promote diversity in the government.

“Earlier this summer, I was alarmed by reports of the stunning acts of racism being experienced by employees at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which ultimately led to 1,200 CDC employees calling on the agency to address this ongoing discrimination,” said Rep. Rush.  “I found this to be particularly alarming as the CDC has been tasked with combatting a virus that is disproportionately devastating Black and other minority communities. 

“Unfortunately, the CDC is not alone when it comes to fostering these types of toxic work environments, with former U.S. Diplomats also claiming that even the State Department has been ‘embedded with practices which deny people of color opportunities, rob them of a respectful work environment, and perpetuate harassment and bias.’  This is in no doubt related to the startling lack of diversity across the top echelons of the entire federal government — both civilian and military — with only 20% of Senior Executive Service (SES) positions being occupied by people of color and the top brass of our military being almost exclusively white.

“We cannot lead where we do not go, and if Congress is serious about addressing systemic racism across the country, then we must first look inward and examine the racism and lack of diversity that exists within the highest reaches of our own government.  The American people cannot, and frankly should not, have confidence that the federal government can adequately address the systemic racism being experienced by our most vulnerable communities if their own government is infiltrated with the same discrimination and general lack of diversity.

“That is why earlier this month, I called on Speaker Pelosi to form a select committee to investigate and address racism and discrimination across the United States Government and today I am introducing a resolution to form a commission to that same end. The Abolish the Last Great Plantation in America Resolution would establish a Congressional Commission to study and report to Congress on the steps the U.S. Government should take to eliminate racism more fully embody a government that is truly of, by, and for the people.”