Under Federal civil rights laws and the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Act (Stafford Act), FEMA, State, local, Tribal, and Territorial (SLTT) partners, and non-governmental relief and disaster assistance organizations engaged in the “distribution of supplies, the processing of applications, and other relief and assistance activities shall [accomplish these activities] in an equitable and impartial manner, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, [national origin], sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status.”1 Civil rights laws and legal authorities remain in effect, and cannot be waived, during emergencies. “More than ever, it is crucial that FEMA apply our core values of compassion, integrity, fairness, and respect in service of all Americans during the unprecedented battle against COVID-19,” said FEMA Administrator, Pete Gaynor.

Read the rest of the FEMA Civil Rights Bulletin below.