Whereas, The Michigan House of Representatives is known as “the people’s house.” It is the legislative chamber that is closest to the people of this state, and the members elected to and serving therein are the voice of those people; and
Whereas, The state of Michigan is a beautifully diverse state. Michigan and its people are so vibrant because of, not in spite of, the different identities, backgrounds, and cultures of the people who call our state home; and
Whereas, The promotion and espousal of racist, xenophobic, white supremacist, anti-Semitic, and Islamophobic language, regardless of the source or form, is a vile stain on our society. Such language and images often draw on stereotypes and conspiracy theories that do not reflect the reality of the world or its people. Such discourse has been used to incite and justify deadly violence against individuals and communities of color; and
Whereas, We rightly hold elected officials to a higher standard in matters of discourse. The language of leadership carries a greater weight with the general public than that coming from peers. When a person in a position of authority spreads words and images designed to foment hate and division, it sends a signal that those words and images are acceptable for use in the marketplace of ideas; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we denounce the espousal of racist, xenophobic, white supremacist, anti-Semitic, and Islamophobic language, theories, and images, as they do not belong in societal discourse and serve only to stoke fear, hatred, and division, ideas antithetical to the functioning of “the people’s house”; and be it further
Resolved, That such language, theories, and images being posted, reposted, or otherwise shared by members of the Michigan House of Representatives represents a failure of decorum and a dereliction of each member’s duty both as the voice of a diverse group of people and as a keeper of the public trust; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to every member of the Michigan House of Representatives.
The motion prevailed and the substitute (H-1) was adopted, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution, Rep. Aiyash demanded the yeas and nays.
The demand was supported.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted, a majority of the members present voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows: