Congresswoman Randall Introduces Legislation to Protect Diversity Initiatives at National Parks
Bainbridge Island, WA – Today, Congresswoman Emily Randall (WA-06) introduced the Expanding Quality and Universal Access to Lands and Parks (EQUAL Parks) Act to codify the Presidential Memorandum "Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in Our National Parks, National Forests, and Other Public Lands and Waters," ensuring federal land management agencies continue prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The bill comes in direct response to a Trump Administration Executive Order, which revoked the 2017 memorandum originally issued by President Obama and later reissued by President Biden.
Congresswoman Randall will announce the legislation introduction during a visit to the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial this afternoon, joined by community leaders and neighbors.
"Our public lands belong to all Americans, regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status, or background," said Congresswoman Randall. "The stories preserved at sites like the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial serve as powerful reminders of what happens when we allow fear and prejudice to override our values of inclusion and justice."
The EQUAL Parks Act will provide legal permanence to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within public lands agencies, enhance operational excellence through diverse workforce recruitment and retention, and reaffirm the federal government's dedication to inclusive practices.
House Natural Resources Ranking Member Jared Huffman signed on as a cosponsor to the bill saying, "Our national parks and public lands belong to all Americans, and they should reflect diverse perspectives and experiences. Trump’s relentless attempts to strip away inclusivity are part of a divisive culture war driven by an administration focused on political stunts rather than progress. Representative Randall’s bill is a necessary step toward restoring unity, focus, and good governance.”
"We cannot allow important historical narratives to be whitewashed or forgotten," said Congresswoman Randall. "By codifying these diversity initiatives into law, we're protecting them from future administrative changes as seen by this Administration. This is about ensuring that the full story of America, including difficult chapters like the Japanese American internment, continues to be told and preserved for future generations."
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