A resolution affirming that the Michigan Senate recognizes diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential foundational principles for achieving the American Dream and encouraging policymakers, educational institutions, workplaces, and other organizations throughout the state and nation to adopt and uphold these principles in their work.
Whereas, The concept of the American Dream embodies the ideals of opportunity, prosperity, and upward mobility, promising that every person in our nation - including Michiganders - should have the chance to achieve personal success and fulfillment through hard work and dedication. Essential to the American Dream is the promise that it belongs to all of us, not just a few; and
Whereas, The principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion perfectly embody the spirit of the American Dream, and our highest achievements as a state and nation have been realized when diversity, equity, and inclusion-informed policies harness the strength of people from all backgrounds. Diversity, equity, and inclusion policies are deeply rooted in America’s founding principles and are embodied in our nation’s long history of civil rights efforts aimed at delivering laws, policies, and initiatives that enable our society to live up to its constitutionally mandated promises. The 19th Amendment, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, among other diversity, equity, and inclusion-informed legal instruments, reflect the corrective actions taken throughout our nation’s history to guarantee access to the educational, economic, and civil obligations and capacities we have to offer; and
Whereas, Diversity, equity, and inclusion-informed policies are committed to widening pathways for achieving the American Dream in every community so that all our citizens - in Michigan and beyond - can reap the benefits of shared prosperity in our nation. Policies informed by the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion can remove barriers to opportunity, strengthen productivity and morale across workplaces, increase innovation throughout industries, and ultimately bring satisfaction to Americans everywhere as a result of a healthy, vibrant economy open to all of us. Ultimately, adopting and maintaining diversity, equity, and inclusion-informed policies helps ensure that every individual - regardless of cultural, religious, or ethnic background - can fully participate in all aspects of society; and
Whereas, As diversity, equity, and inclusion principles reflect the fundamental rights enshrined in our nation and state’s respective constitutions, we are compelled to adopt and promote them. Freedom of speech and expression are foundational rights at both the state and federal levels; together, they guarantee the right of individuals to voice their ideas and opinions without interference, punishment, or retaliation by the government. Any elected leaders who attempt to prohibit or otherwise limit diversity, equity, and inclusion-informed policies are acting at odds with the principles underlying these essential rights, restricting the ability of individuals to freely express themselves, diminishing the diversity of perspectives that strengthen our society, and undermining the spirit of anti-discrimination laws and policies; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we affirm our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as an essential foundation for achieving the American Dream and fostering environments where all individuals have the freedom to be healthy, prosperous, and safe and have the opportunity to realize their full potential; and be it further
Resolved, That we encourage local, state, and federal policymakers, educational institutions, workplaces, and other organizations to adopt and uphold the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion which promote inclusivity, protect freedom of expression, remove barriers, and provide equitable opportunities for every American to pursue their dreams; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the Governor, and the Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
Senator Lauwers requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
The resolution was adopted, a majority of the members voting therefor, as follows: