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State of Arkansas 1
95th General Assembly 2
Regular Session, 2025 SCR 2 3
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By: Senators J. Scott, S. Flowers, G. Leding, C. Tucker, R. Murdock, F. Love 5
By: Representatives J. Richardson, Steele, Ennett, Springer, T. Shephard, Clowney, Barnett, Barnes, 6
McGruder 7
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SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 9
TO AFFIRM THAT THE AMERICAN DREAM BELONGS TO ALL OF 10
US. 11
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Subtitle 14
TO AFFIRM THAT THE AMERICAN DREAM 15
BELONGS TO ALL OF US. 16
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WHEREAS, the American Dream has been a beacon of hope for generations; 18
and 19
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WHEREAS, the American Dream embodies the ideals of opportunity, 21
prosperity, and upward mobility, promising that every person should have the 22
chance to achieve what they themselves define as success and fulfillment 23
through hard work and determination; and 24
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WHEREAS, many today feel as though the American Dream is unattainable; 26
and 27
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WHEREAS, the American Dream belongs to all of us, not just billionaires 29
and multi-millionaires; and 30
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WHEREAS, our highest accomplishments as a state and nation have been 32
achieved when we harnessed the strengths of all people regardless of identity 33
to overcome our greatest challenges; and 34
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WHEREAS, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a centuries -old 36 SCR2
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movement deeply rooted in America's founding principles and its subsequent 1
legacy of civil rights and social justice efforts aimed at delivering the 2
laws, policies, and initiatives that enable America to live up to its 3
Constitution's promises; and 4
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WHEREAS, DEI policies, including the Nineteenth Amendment, the Civil 6
Rights Act of 1964, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, among others, 7
reflect the corrective legislative and legal actions taken across our 8
nation's history to expand and guarantee access to the educational, economic, 9
and civic obligations and capacities of our nation; and 10
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WHEREAS, DEI principles and policies promote equal access to 12
opportunities, foster an environment of respect and belonging, and ensure 13
that every individual, regardless of background, can fully participate in all 14
aspects of society; and 15
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WHEREAS, DEI is essential to creating a society where all individuals 17
are valued, heard, and included; and 18
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WHEREAS, DEI is based on removing barriers to opportunity so that our 20
merits can speak for themselves; and 21
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WHEREAS, DEI is committed to widening pathways to the American Dream 23
for every community so that all people can reap the benefits of shared 24
prosperity in our nation; and 25
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WHEREAS, freedom of speech and expression are fundamental 27
constitutional rights, protecting the ability of individuals to voice their 28
ideas and opinions without interference, punishment, or retaliation by the 29
government; and 30
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WHEREAS, anti-DEI activists, politicians, and corporate decision makers 32
who attempt to prohibit Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies and 33
initiatives infringe upon the right of individuals to freely express 34
themselves, diminish the diversity of perspectives that strengthen our 35
society, and conflict with anti -discrimination laws; and 36 SCR2
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WHEREAS, efforts to attack DEI are harmful to the bottom line and 2
health of our economy, 3
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NOW THEREFORE, 5
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY -FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE 6
STATE OF ARKANSAS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN: 7
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THAT the State of Arkansas affirms its commitment to DEI as an 9
essential foundation for achieving the American Dream and fostering 10
environments where all individuals have the freedom to be healthy, 11
prosperous, and safe and the opportunity to realize their full potential. 12
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the State of Arkansas encourages local, state, 14
and federal policymakers, educational institutions, workplaces, and other 15
organizations to adopt and uphold DEI principles that promote inclusivity, 16
protect freedom of expression, remove barriers, and provide equitable 17
opportunities for all individuals to pursue their dreams. 18
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