It is no secret that racial injustice plagues the United States. This issue did not appear when George Floyd was murdered by police or when Breonna Taylor was shot. The underlying affect of systemic racism influences jobs, welfare, schools, opportunities, and basically every aspect of life in the United States. Biden has made it a prominent goal throughout his campaign and early presidency to combat this racial inequality and signed Executive Orders very early on.

Biden said in terms of racial inequality “our souls will be troubled”. There is a weight on all Americans no matter what color skin to fight for the equality of all people. There were four main original executive orders made. The first combats the federal housing policies that racially discriminate against minorities. In this order he is directing the Department of Housing and Urban Development to restructure their programs. The second order tells the Department of Justice to end the use of private prisons. Private prisons allow for higher amounts of racial discrimination because there is zero federal oversight on the handling and treatment of the inmates. Also, it is unethical based on making money off of the inmates and potentially their labor. He also reaffirms the idea of commitment to tribal sovereignty and consultation. This was originally issues by Bill Clinton which forces the government to consult with Native American Tribes to discuss land and policies. His final order was to combat the racial discrimination against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Obviously the asian community has dealt with an absurd amount of discrimination with the Corona Virus, but in addition these two minority groups have faced racial and ethnic discrimination for decades.

Biden talked about how 2021 marked a new era of the fight for racial equality and more than ever put on display the racism that lives within our country. He spoke of how the knee on George Floyd’s neck cannot and should not be forgotten.

During the release of his orders it was discussed how moving towards real racial equality benefits primarily minority groups but in addition all Americans. By praising and learning new beliefs, cultures, and experiences we can all grow and understand our country, and ourselves better. In addition, it has been proven that if minority kids were given better educational opportunities it could add $5 trillion dollars in gross products for the United States which means a booming economy. This is because it actually allows all kids to shine, not only the ones born in the right area.

Overall, Biden’s Executive Orders are a good start towards a more equal society, but it is far from enough in the long run and many more things must be done.