HR0077 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0077 LRB104 10516 LAW 20591 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

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 should 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 the American Dream is unattainable; and

WHEREAS, The American Dream belongs to all of us, not just billionaires and multimillionaires; and

WHEREAS, Our highest accomplishments as a State and nation have been achieved when we harnessed the strengths of all people regardless of their identities to overcome the greatest of 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 laws, policies, and initiatives have enabled America to live up to our Constitution's promises; and

WHEREAS, DEI policies, from the 19th Amendment to the 1964 Civil Rights Act to 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, DEI 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, DEI is essential to creating a society where all individuals are valued, heard, and included; and

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

WHEREAS, DEI 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-DEI activists, politicians, and corporate decision-makers who attempt to prohibit DEI infringe upon the right 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 DEI are harmful to the bottom line and health of our economy; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we affirm our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as an essential foundation for achieving the American Dream and fostering environments where all individuals have the freedom to be healthy, prosperous, and safe and the opportunity to realize their full potential; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we encourage local, state, and federal policymakers, educational institutions, workplaces, and other organizations to adopt and uphold DEI principles that promote inclusivity, protect freedom of expression, remove barriers, and provide equitable opportunities for all individuals to pursue their dreams.