WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden signed four executive orders on Tuesday on racial equity, and housing, just part of what the White House is calling his “racial equity agenda.”

The measures seek to reverse anti-discrimination housing policies that were weakened under President Donald Trump, halt new Justice Department contracts with private prisons, combat violence and xenophobia against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and increase the sovereignty of Native American tribes.

The Biden administration signaled the executive orders are a preview of what’s to come on its racial equity agenda as it prepares legislative proposals to fight discrimination and poverty.

“We’re in a battle for the soul of this nation, and the truth is our soul will be troubled as long as systemic racism is allowed to exist,” Biden said.

 “I’m not promising that we can end it tomorrow, but I promise you that we’re going to make strides to end systemic racism, and every branch of the White House and the federal government will be part of that.”

Biden needs the support of Congress to push through police reform or new voting rights legislation. The executive orders serve as his initial moves to immediately address systemic racism while he focuses on getting America out of the pandemic.

Early critics of the orders – mainly civil rights groups, while welcoming the actions said they are far from enough. Their focus is on reforming the police and overhauling the criminal justice system, as well as fighting voter suppression.

Also, many activists say they want Biden to put resources toward economic opportunities and reducing disparities in education.

Biden warned these changes will not happen overnight.