Led by Senators Chang, Cavanagh, Geiss, and others, the resolution urges educational institutions, businesses, and organizations statewide to adopt DEI principles. It ties DEI to historical legislative achievements like the 19th Amendment, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, presenting it as a modern extension of the nation’s founding commitment to progress and fairness.

Equity vs. equality.

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SR-18 emphasizes equity – equal outcomes – over the traditional concept of equal opportunity. The Declaration of Independence states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,” implying equal value and potential, not guaranteed results. Martin Luther King Jr. echoed this in his “I Have a Dream” speech, envisioning a nation where people are judged “by the content of their character” rather than “the color of their skin.”

King sought fairness and equal rights, not preferential treatment based on race. DEI, however, focuses on group characteristics – race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and more – quite often sidelining individual merit.

Merit vs. mandates.

The Michigan resolution with its DEI framework aims to boost representation across diverse categories, but critics argue this reduces people to their identities rather than their abilities. Success stories like billionaire Oprah Winfrey, former neurosurgeon and former HUD Secretary Ben Carson, former President Barack Obama, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Senator Tim Scott demonstrate achievement without mandated DEI policies. In fields like medicine, aviation, or emergency services, prioritizing qualifications over identity remains a concern for many who see merit as the cornerstone of competence.

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The resolution also addresses opposition, claiming that efforts to curb DEI threaten free speech and the diversity of perspectives protected by the U.S. and Michigan constitutions. This comes as schools face potential federal funding cuts under President Trump for maintaining DEI programs, raising questions about Michigan Democrats’ push.

Though SR-18 lacks legal authority, it signals their intent to keep DEI central to their agenda. Whether this leads to binding legislation remains unclear, but the resolution underscores a clear priority for the state’s Democratic lawmakers.