President Biden signed an executive action Tuesday that suggests a more aggressive approach to undoing the problem of housing segregation. 

His memorandum states that "Many neighborhoods are as racially segregated today as they were in the middle of the 20th century” and pledged that his administration would “work with communities to end housing discrimination, to provide redress to those who have experienced housing discrimination” and end racial bias in home-buying and renting.

“As a statement of intent, it’s certainly a welcome change,” said Craig Gurian, an attorney who heads the New York City-based Anti-Discrimination Center and who has led efforts to desegregate Westchester County.