This Senate resolution says diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are fundamental values. It lists many findings and data showing ongoing discrimination and inequality in housing, employment, education, healthcare, access to capital, and other areas. The resolution affirms DEIA efforts, says they are not unlawful quotas, and criticizes recent executive actions that it says undermine those efforts. It urges policymakers, schools, workplaces, and other organizations to adopt and promote inclusive practices and remove barriers.
The resolution expresses the Senate's support for DEIA and encourages leaders at the local, state, and Federal levels, as well as schools and employers, to expand inclusivity and remove barriers. It does not itself create specific programs or funding in the text of the resolution.
No publicly available information on new federal spending or budget changes in this resolution. The text cites an analysis by Citi Group estimating that disparities cost the economy about $16,000,000,000,000 from 2004 to 2024, but the resolution does not appropriate funds.
Supporters say DEIA initiatives help address long-standing discrimination and make opportunities fairer in education, work, housing, healthcare, and government programs. The resolution states such initiatives strengthen the workforce, improve innovation and productivity, reduce turnover and legal risk, expand access to services, and help historically underserved communities. It also says DEIA have been supported by Presidents of both parties and are broadly popular.
The resolution notes that some actions, including executive orders cited by the text, have sought to limit DEIA initiatives and that critics argue DEIA amount to preferential treatment or quotas. The resolution disputes the claim that DEIA ignore merit. No publicly available information on other specific opponent positions or alternatives is included in the text.