In this speech the question of whether the federal government is holding itself to the same civil rights standards it enforces in the private and public sector is addressed. Problem areas upon which the Carter administration is focusing are examined. These areas include the failure to eliminate discrimination against federal employees, the failure to ensure that Federal funds are not used in a discriminatory manner, and the failure to revise Federal laws and regulations which are sex biased. A number of court cases which have been brought against the government are mentioned and their legislative outcomes reviewed. Changes in policy and practice being implemented to correct previous federal laxities are described. Some bureaucratic, technical, and attitudinal problems which have made compliance with and enforcement of civil rights legislation difficult are discussed. Ways in which the current administration is addressing these problems are outlined. Optimistic conclusions are drawn about the commitment of the federal government to abolish discrimination on the basis of race or sex. (GC)