(The Center Square) – In response to recent moves by the Trump Administration, Michigan Senate Democrats passed a resolution recognizing diversity, equity, and inclusion as “essential foundational principles” of America.
Senate Resolution No. 18 passed on a party-line vote, with 19 Democrats voting in favor and 18 Senate Republicans against.
The resolution says that “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.”
Sen. Stephanie Chang, D-Detroit, sponsored the resolution, joined by nine other Senate Democrats. She argued that diversity, equity, and inclusion are important parts of Michigan’s values.
“Senate Resolution 18 affirms that a key part of the American dream are the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion,” Chang said in support of the bill from the Senate floor. “The ideals of opportunity, prosperity, and upward mobility for all people regardless of where they come from, their background, who they love, or what religious background, are core to the American story and the Michigan story.”
This comes as President Donald Trump has signed a series of executive orders since taking office targeting diversity equity, and inclusion programs in both the public and private sectors.
These include a memorandum signed Tuesday, the same day the Michigan Senate passed the resolution, officially removing DEI policies from the Foreign Service.
The White House argued that “hiring in all parts of government should be based solely on merit,” calling DEI policies “radical.”
Chang said that, by passing the legislation, the Michigan Senate is affirming the importance of DEI policies.
“As attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion continue at the federal level, we must remind ourselves that we’re not talking about an acronym. Say each word and consider its impact for real people,” she said.
Michigan Republicans responded to Democrats’ resolution, with Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township, calling diversity, equity and inclusion policies “woke . . . nonsense.”
Senate Republicans argued that the resolution shows misplaced priorities by the Democrats, stating they should instead be focused on issues like fentanyl deaths and education reform.
On the other hand, Chang said the policies should continue to be a priority for Democrat lawmakers.
“Policies regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion are about widening pathways for achieving the American dream in every community so that all people can reap the benefits of shared prosperity in our nation,” she said.
