HR 394: House of Representatives; the American Dream belongs to all of us; affirm

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.

WHEREAS, the American Dream has been a beacon of hope for generations; and

WHEREAS, the American Dream embodies the ideals of opportunity, prosperity, and upward mobility, promising that every person shall have the chance to achieve what they themselves define as success and fulfillment through hard work and determination; and

WHEREAS, many today feel as though their American Dream is unattainable; and

WHEREAS, the American Dream belongs to all of us, not just billionaires and multi-millionaires; and

WHEREAS, our highest accomplishments as a state and nation have been achieved when we harness the strengths of all people regardless of their identities to overcome our greatest challenges; and

WHEREAS, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a centuries-old movement deeply rooted in America's founding principles and its subsequent legacy of civil rights and social justice efforts aimed at delivering the laws, policies, and initiatives that enable America to live up to our Constitution's promises; and

WHEREAS, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies, from the 19th Amendment to the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, among others, reflect the corrective legislative and legal actions taken across our nation's history to expand and guarantee access to the educational, economic, and civic obligations and capacities of our nation; and

WHEREAS, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles and policies promote equal access to opportunities, foster an environment of respect and belonging, and ensure that every individual—regardless of background—can fully participate in all aspects of society; and

WHEREAS, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is essential to creating a society where all individuals are valued, heard, and included; and

WHEREAS, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is based on removing barriers to opportunity so that our merits can speak for themselves; and

WHEREAS, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is committed to widening pathways to the American Dream for every community so that all people can reap the benefits of shared prosperity in our nation; and

WHEREAS, freedom of speech and expression are fundamental constitutional rights, protecting the ability of individuals to voice their ideas and opinions without interference, punishment, or retaliation by the government; and

WHEREAS, anti-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion activists, politicians, and corporate decision-makers who attempt to prohibit DEI infringe upon the rights of individuals to freely express themselves, diminish the diversity of perspectives that strengthen our society, and conflict with anti-discrimination laws; and

WHEREAS, efforts to attack Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are harmful to the bottom line and overall health of our economy.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body affirm their 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 as well as opportunities to realize their full potential.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body encourage local, state, and federal policymakers, educational institutions, workplaces, and other organizations to adopt and uphold Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles that promote inclusivity, protect freedom of expression, remove barriers, and provide equitable opportunities for all individuals to pursue their dreams.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the public and the press.