PRINTER'S NO. 670
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.90
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY MASTRIANO AND STEFANO, APRIL 28, 2025
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, APRIL 28, 2025
A RESOLUTION
Encouraging initiatives that support individuals demonstrating
character and merit.
WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., powerfully affirmed
that individuals should be judged not by the color of their skin
but by the content of their character; and
WHEREAS, The principles of equality and individual merit are
foundational to the American republic and reflect the
aspirations of our leaders, including William Penn and Abraham
Lincoln; and
WHEREAS, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives,
though often well-intentioned, have in practice contributed to
division and disunity in both public and private sectors; and
WHEREAS, Prioritizing identity categories, including race,
gender or perceived group membership may undermine the cohesion,
unity and equal opportunity that merit- and character-based
systems strive to promote; and
WHEREAS, Team effectiveness and social harmony are best
served by recognizing individual actions, character and
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18 achievement over immutable or identity-based traits; and
WHEREAS, It is in the public interest to affirm policies that
unite rather than divide and to ensure that opportunities are
distributed based on individual merit, ability and contribution;
and
WHEREAS, Abraham Lincoln wisely warned that "A house divided
against itself cannot stand," and Dr. King envisioned a nation
where all individuals are truly treated as equals under the law;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate encourage initiatives that support
individuals who demonstrate character and merit; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Senate affirm a strong commitment to
supporting demonstrated merit and character as a basis for
opportunity in all realms of public service and governance,
encourage the reevaluation of DEI programs that promote
division, and support the adoption of initiatives that honor
unity, fairness and opportunity for all individuals based on
their demonstrated character and merit.
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