(CNN) Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Wednesday laid out a series of immediate actions the Department of Defense will take to address race inequality and inclusion in the US military, an issue that was thrust into the spotlight following the death of George Floyd, a Black man, at the hands of a White Minneapolis police officer. Esper issued the steps at the first meeting of the Defense Department's newly formed Board on Diversity and Inclusion. "These actions identified today will better ensure a diverse workforce at all levels, an inclusive environment, and equal opportunity for all who serve," he continued. "But hard work remains as efforts to shift our culture requires steadfast attention." The effort, he said, would make "the US military a more cohesive, ready and capable force in defense of our great nation."

Source: CNN July 15, 2020 21:00 UTC