A RESOLUTION to affirm that the American Dream belongs to all of us.
Summary
Senate Resolution 6 is a nonbinding resolution that states Tennessee’s support for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as part of what it describes as the American Dream. The resolution frames the American Dream as something that should be available to everyone, not only wealthy individuals, and argues that DEI principles help remove barriers, expand opportunity, and allow people to participate fully in civic, educational, and economic life. It also links DEI to historic civil rights milestones such as the 19th Amendment, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The resolution further asserts that DEI supports freedom of expression, promotes respect and belonging, and benefits the economy. It encourages policymakers, educational institutions, workplaces, and other organizations to adopt and uphold DEI principles that protect inclusivity and equitable opportunity. Because it is a resolution, it does not amend Tennessee statutes or create enforceable legal requirements; instead, it expresses the Senate’s position and urges broader adoption of DEI-related practices.
Impact
SR0006 would not change Tennessee law or amend any specific code sections. Its legal effect is limited to a formal statement of legislative sentiment, but it could influence public policy debates by signaling support for DEI initiatives in government, schools, and workplaces. The resolution is aimed at state and local policymakers and private institutions rather than regulated parties through enforceable mandates.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the resolution was not broadly supported in committee, failing in the Senate Judiciary Committee by a vote of 1-6. The text itself is strongly affirmative toward DEI and frames opposition to DEI as harmful to civil rights, free expression, and the economy. Overall, the bill appears to have been introduced as a values-based statement in favor of inclusion, but it did not gain enough support to advance.
Contention
The main point of contention is DEI itself. Supporters of the resolution view DEI as a continuation of civil rights protections and a necessary tool for equal opportunity, while the resolution characterizes anti-DEI efforts as contrary to free expression and anti-discrimination principles. Opponents are not identified in the text, but the committee vote indicates significant resistance, likely centered on disagreement over whether government should formally endorse DEI and whether such policies are beneficial or appropriate.
A resolution affirming that the Michigan Senate recognizes diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential foundational principles for achieving the American Dream and encouraging policymakers, educational institutions, workplaces, and other organizations throughout the state and nation to adopt and uphold these principles in their work.
Encouraging Federal, State and local policymakers, educational institutions, workplaces and other organizations to adopt and uphold diversity, equity and inclusion principles that promote inclusivity, protect freedom of expression, remove barriers and provide equitable opportunities for all individuals to pursue their American Dream.