WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) led 11 of her Senate colleagues, including every Democratic member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, in introducing a resolution reaffirming the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) as fundamental values in the United States.
“Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are fundamental to our country’s history and culture,” said Senator Hirono. “Our diversity is one of our nation’s greatest strengths, as Americans from different backgrounds come together to move their communities and our country forward. As Donald Trump and Republicans attack marginalized communities across the country and attempt to erase their contributions from our shared history, I’m proud to lead this resolution reaffirming the importance of these values that truly make our nation great.”
Since his inauguration, Trump has worked to purge DEIA initiatives in the federal government, public schools, universities, and businesses across the country. This resolution emphasizes the crucial role that DEIA initiatives serve in the ongoing fight against discrimination and inequality in the workplace, schools, government programs, military, and society at large.
“We are a nation woven together by the idea that every person is created equal and should have the opportunity to thrive,” said Senator Coons. “Our diversity is the key to our innovative spirit, to unlocking new discoveries, and competing on the global stage. Our nation thrives when we love our neighbors as ourselves, not when we turn against those who have so much to share.”
“Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are not values to vilify. Rather they should serve as guiding principles in a country that prides itself on offering everyone an opportunity to pursue the American Dream,” said Durbin. “As the Trump Administration cruelly uses diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility as a justification for the elimination of critical government services and institutions, my Senate colleagues and I are proud to shine a light on the efforts of those working to address discrimination and inequality in our society.”
“California’s strength as the fourth-largest economy in the world comes from its diversity — from the many cultures, communities, and backgrounds that shape our state,” said Senator Padilla. “Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are not only core American values, but they’re the foundation of our nation’s success. As the Trump Administration wages a war against diversity, we must reaffirm our commitment to equal opportunity and building a future where everyone has the chance to thrive.”
“It is more important now than ever to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for all Americans in the workforce, educational institutions, and businesses against the Trump administration’s discriminatory initiatives. The administration seeks to disparage people of diverse backgrounds and denigrate the achievements of people from all walks of life. Our country and economy thrive when all have the chance to succeed. The administration should be taking down barriers to achievement, not erecting new ones,” said Senator Schiff.
“When we work to empower people from different races, ethnicities, and walks of life, we all benefit—and the economy does too,” said Senator Smith. “This resolution is important to recognize and uplift the fundamental principle that our country was founded on – being a place where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in the workforce, in their education, and in their everyday lives.”
“Vermont and America are made stronger when everyone has a seat at the table,” said Senator Welch. “At a time when the Trump Administration relentlessly attacks our core values, we stand steadfast with those fighting to make our country a more inclusive place and reaffirm our commitment to building a future where every person has equal opportunity.”
This resolution is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).
“There is no reason everyone in the United States shouldn’t have access to quality health care, education, housing, and safe, living-wage jobs. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility can help make this a reality,” said Demetria McCain, Director of Policy at the Legal Defense Fund. “As the Trump Administration works to systemically impose unnecessary barriers and allow discrimination across nearly every sector, we proudly stand with our congressional allies in affirming the importance of these principles in protecting and advancing civil rights for Black people and other historically marginalized communities.”
“Civil rights laws create a foundation for fairness, equity, and dignity while advancing our constitutional democracy,” said Jesselyn McCurdy, Executive Vice President for Government Affairs, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. “This administration’s efforts to undermine human rights, dismantle protections, and penalize organizations that strive to serve people through inclusion and accessibility will not be tolerated. Our civil rights coalition stands with the brave Members of Congress who are willing to push back, understanding that we are stronger together.”
“Now more than ever, it is important to reiterate our nation's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. This resolution stands on the right side of history in an important moment. Including diverse voices and seeking out diverse talent ensures that we're building an economy that's competitive and that works for everyone. I commend Senator Hirono and her 11 Senate colleagues for leading on this issue of diversity, equity, and inclusion at a time when our country needs strong leadership,” said Aimee Peoples, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Anti-Racism (DEIA) at the National Partnership for Women & Families.
“Everyone deserves a fair chance to succeed and thrive, but too many people across the country continue to face barriers in their school or workplace based simply on who they are,” said Gaylynn Burroughs, Vice President for Education and Workplace Justice at the National Women’s Law Center Action Fund. “And now, some have turned diversity, equity, and inclusion on its head, making “DEI” into a bogeyman and stripping away efforts to ensure that everyone, no matter their race or gender, has access to equal opportunities. These attacks are a betrayal of our fundamental values and an invitation to engage in discrimination without consequence. We applaud Senator Hirono for taking action and sending a clear message that diversity, equity, and inclusion are necessary pillars for equality and democracy.”
“It is imperative, for the health of our communities and democracy, that we preserve diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives across sectors,” said Margaret Huang, president of the Southern Poverty Law Center. “At a time when these values—and the civil rights protections they support—are under relentless attack from schools to statehouses to the White House, we must hold the line, combat disinformation, and defend the progress we’ve made. That’s why the SPLC proudly supports Senator Hirono’s resolution—to reaffirm our commitment to an America where opportunity isn’t a privilege for the few, but a guarantee for all.”
“The dignity of all people must be protected—especially in the face of adversity. Few ideals are more fundamental to the American promise than diversity, equity, and inclusion. We thank the principled members of Congress who memorialize these values with this resolution,” said Shatorah Roberson, Sr. Policy Counsel at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “At the Lawyers’ Committee, we remain steadfast in our advancement for civil rights, equal justice, and the rule of law—particularly for Black communities and other historically underrepresented communities of color who bear the greatest risk in this ongoing pursuit to preserve our constitutional freedoms.”
This resolution is endorsed by NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LDF); National Urban League; National Women’s Law Center Action Fund; National Partnership for Women and Families; Leadership Conference on Human and Civil Rights; Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights; America Pride Rises; and the Southern Poverty Law Center.
The full text of the resolution is available here.
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