In an effort to become more inclusive, the US State Department announced that it would allow new passport applicants to select a Pantone color as race. Secretary of State Antony Blinken proudly announced this decision in a press conference Sunday. “The arbitrary choices for race on US Passports was stifling to say the least, and overwhelmingly un-inclusive. Now, with the newly introduced Pantone Racial Color Palette, individuals can represent their true selves on official government documents. I can proudly, and officially, say that I am Pantone 874-C.”
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also boasted about the inclusivity announcement coming during Pride Month. “The President and his staff are continually working to recognize all human beings and their personal truths. While the Pantone Racial Color Palette isn’t exactly a rainbow, it does better represent the spectrum of personal identity. The Progressive Pride flag behind me is the perfect backdrop as we officially acknowledge the broad range of people’s color. As Secretary Blinken stated earlier today, the new Racial Color Palette is available on US Passports as of today. The president has issued an executive order to all other administrative branches to implement this change across the board, as soon as possible.”