Hirono-led resolution defends DEIA amid GOP ‘attacks’

US Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaiʻi led all Democratic members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and several other colleagues in introducing a resolution reaffirming diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) as fundamental American values.

“Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are fundamental to our country’s history and culture,” said Hirono in a statement Tuesday.

The resolution comes as conservative lawmakers and President Trump continue efforts to dismantle DEIA-related initiatives in federal agencies, schools and private businesses. Hirono says the measure asserts the vital role these principles play in addressing systemic discrimination across workplaces, education systems, government institutions and the military.

This resolution is cosponsored by Sens. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.; Cory Booker, D-N.J.; Chris Coons, D-Del.; Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill.; Dick Durbin, D-Ill.; Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.; Alex Padilla, D-Calif.; Adam Schiff, D-Calif.; Tina Smith, D-Minn.; Peter Welch, D-Vt.; and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I.

The resolution is also backed by leading civil rights groups, including the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and the Southern Poverty Law Center.

“Now more than ever, it is important to reiterate our nation’s commitment to DEIA,” said Aimee Peoples, vice president of DEIA at the National Partnership for Women & Families. “This resolution stands on the right side of history in an important moment.”

The full text of the resolution is available online.