HR394: HR394 House of Representatives; the American Dream belongs to all of us; affirm

25 LC 112 3049 House Resolution 394 By: Representatives Campbell of the 35th, Hugley of the 141st, Barnes of the 86th, Tran of the 80th, Sampson of the 153rd, and others A RESOLUTION Affirming that the American Dream belongs to all of us; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, the American Dream has been a beacon of hope for generations; and2 WHEREAS, the American Dream embodies the ideals of opportunity, prosperity, and3 upward mobility, promising that every person shall have the cha nce to achieve what they4 themselves define as success and fulfillment through hard work and determination; and5 WHEREAS, many today feel as though their American Dream is unattainable; and6 WHEREAS, the American Dream belongs to all of us, not just bill ionaires and7 multi-millionaires; and8 WHEREAS, our highest accomplishments as a state and nation have been achieved when we9 harness the strengths of all people regardless of their identit ies to overcome our greatest10 challenges; and11 WHEREAS, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a centuries- old movement deeply12 rooted in America's founding principles and its subsequent legacy of civil rights and social13 H. R. 394 - 1 - 25 LC 112 3049 justice efforts aimed at delivering the laws, policies, and initiatives that enable America to14 live up to our Constitution's promises; and15 WHEREAS, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies, from the 19th Amendment to the 196416 Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, among others, reflect the17 corrective legislative and legal actions taken across our natio n's history to expand and18 guarantee access to the educational, economic, and civic obliga tions and capacities of our19 nation; and20 WHEREAS, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles and policies promote equal access21 to opportunities, foster an environment of respect and belongin g, and ensure that every22 individual—regardless of background—can fully participate in all aspects of society; and23 WHEREAS, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is essential to creat ing a society where all24 individuals are valued, heard, and included; and25 WHEREAS, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is based on removing barriers to opportunity26 so that our merits can speak for themselves; and27 WHEREAS, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is committed to widen ing pathways to the28 American Dream for every community so that all people can reap the benefits of shared29 prosperity in our nation; and30 WHEREAS, freedom of speech and expression are fundamental const itutional rights,31 protecting the ability of individuals to voice their ideas and opinions without interference,32 punishment, or retaliation by the government; and33 H. R. 394 - 2 - 25 LC 112 3049 WHEREAS, anti-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion activists, polit icians, and corporate34 decision-makers who attempt to prohibit DEI infringe upon the rights of individuals to freely35 express themselves, diminish the diversity of perspectives that strengthen our society, and36 conflict with anti-discrimination laws; and37 WHEREAS, efforts to attack Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are harmful to the bottom line38 and overall health of our economy.39 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that40 the members of this body affirm their commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as an41 essential foundation for achieving the American Dream and fostering environments where42 all individuals have the freedom to be healthy, prosperous, and safe as well as opportunities43 to realize their full potential.44 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body encourage local, state, and45 federal policymakers, educational institutions, workplaces, and other organizations to adopt46 and uphold Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles that pro mote inclusivity, protect47 freedom of expression, remove barriers, and provide equitable o pportunities for all48 individuals to pursue their dreams.49 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized50 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the51 public and the press.52 H. R. 394 - 3 -