On Tuesday, President Biden signed four executive actions targeting racial equity in the US. The orders focused on taking steps to address systemic racism in the private prison system, housing, COVID-19 relief and Tribal relations.
The four orders directed the Department of Justice not to renew contracts with private prisons, ordered the Department of Housing and Urban Development to fully implement the Fair Housing Act requirements, pushed federal agencies to engage more regularly and meaningfully with Tribal governments and directed Health and Human Services as well as the COVID-19 health equity task force to examine best practices to better protect Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders as part of relief efforts.
Systemic racism “has plagued our nation for far, far too long,” President Biden said. “One of the reasons I’m so optimistic about this nation is that today’s generation of young Americans is the most progressive, thoughtful and inclusive generation that America has ever seen. And they are pulling us toward justice in so many ways.”
President Biden said the video of George Floyd’s death “marked a turning point in this country’s attitude toward racial justice. It was the knee on the neck of justice — and it wouldn’t be forgotten.”
