ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 13621Executive OrderObama · D

Executive Order 13621

White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans

This executive order establishes the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans within the Department of Education, along with a Federal Interagency Working Group and a President's Advisory Commission. The Initiative aims to improve educational outcomes for African Americans across all education levels through coordination of federal programs, identification of best practices, and partnerships with stakeholders.

Federal Register Open PDF 77 FR 45471

Impact dates

  1. Annual joint meeting between Commission and HBCU Board

  2. Commission shall meet at least twice per year

  3. Periodic publication of reports on Initiative activities

Key directives

  • Establish White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans in Department of Education
  • Appoint Executive Director of the Initiative by Secretary of Education
  • Establish Federal Interagency Working Group with senior officials from specified agencies
  • Establish President's Advisory Commission with not more than 25 members appointed by President
  • Commission shall meet at least twice per year
  • Executive Director of Commission and Board shall convene at least one annual joint meeting
  • Initiative shall periodically publish reports on its activities
  • Department shall provide funding and administrative support within existing appropriations

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Establishment of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans in the Department of Education
  • Establishment of the Federal Interagency Working Group
  • Establishment of the President's Advisory Commission

Near term (90d)

  • Appointment of Executive Director by Secretary of Education
  • Designation of senior officials to Working Group by agency heads
  • Initial convening of Working Group by Executive Director

Long term

  • Development of national network for sharing best practices
  • Periodic publication of reports on Initiative activities
  • Potential development of recommendations to the President
  • Annual joint meetings between Commission and HBCU Board

Risks & tensions

  • Implementation 'subject to availability of appropriations' limits binding force; funding contingent on existing budgets
  • No enforcement mechanism or private right of action created by order
  • Vague 'periodically' for report publication schedule creates accountability uncertainty
  • Reciprocal membership arrangement between Commission and HBCU Board may create coordination challenges or conflicts of interest
  • Broad mission across all education levels may dilute focus and measurable outcomes
Executive Order 13621: White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans · Executive Orders