(Black PR Wire) Six major Congressional Caucuses—the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Congressional Equality Caucus (CEC), the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC), and the Congressional Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Caucus (DEIC) introduced a joint resolution affirming that diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are fundamental to the American Dream and to our national prosperity, safety, and democracy. 

The resolution comes in response to growing attacks on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility programs and policies across the country. It calls on all levels of government, educational institutions, workplaces, and other organizations to uphold and promote inclusivity, remove barriers to opportunity, and ensure equal access to services and resources.  

Endorsing the resolution are leading civil rights and advocacy organizations, including: NAACP Legal Defense Fund and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF), National Urban League, National Women’s Law Center Action Fund, National Partnership for Women and Families, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, America Pride Rises, Southern Poverty Law Center, Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, Arab American Institute Foundation, Institute for Women’s Policy Research, Justice in Aging, Impact Fund, Race Forward, Network Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Jewish Council for Public Affairs, American Association of University Women, and The Education Trust. 

“Diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility efforts are about making sure our society gives everyone a fair shot. There is nothing more un-American than opposing a fair shot for everyone,” said Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Chair of the CHC. “This administration's attacks against DEIA efforts betray a twisted worldview. They act as if to succeed others must fail. That wealth is mundane without poverty and that opportunity is pointless without exclusion. We as Americans – as human beings – know better. A fairer, stronger society is not only possible but necessary. We will not let this administration take it away from us.”

"Every American deserves to have a fair shot at success, but for far too many in our country, this is simply not the reality. Millions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, along with other historically marginalized communities, continue to face discrimination in housing, healthcare, education, and employment," said Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), Chair of CAPAC. "Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility is about building a future where everyone can succeed and thrive. We will not let this administration sow division and roll back the progress we have made to ensure equal opportunity for all."

“Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility policies are designed to open doors for all Americans—including white women, veterans, and older adults—not just the Black, Brown, and minority communities that Donald Trump and Republicans routinely scapegoat for political gain,” said Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Chair of the CBC. “Instead of working to lower the rising cost of living that is hurting families across the country, Trump and Republicans in Congress are doubling down on a divisive, racist, anti-diversity agenda. They've chosen fear and polarization over real solutions—ignoring the simple truth: in a zero-sum game, we all lose. These hateful attacks on diversity and inclusion aren’t just misguided; they’re morally reprehensible. For too long, too many communities have been shut out of opportunities in employment, health care, and education, due to an enduring legacy of racial bias, bigotry, and discrimination. As elected officials, we have a responsibility to break down those barriers—and build a future where everyone has a fair shot.”

“Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives are about addressing historic discrimination and ensuring that everyone has a fair shot at success, without needing to fear being denied opportunities because of who they are. These initiatives don’t lower the bar—they simply widen the entrance,” said Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39), Chair of the CEC. “The fearmongering around diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by Donald Trump and the GOP is just their latest ploy to unravel more than half a century of progress we’ve made on civil rights and nondiscrimination protections in this country—including for the LGBTQI+ community. As Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, I am committed to working with my colleagues in Congress to protect that progress and ensure equality for all.”

“This administration wants to replace diversity with discrimination, equity with corruption, and inclusion with injustice (DCI). They have included ‘female,’ ‘females,’ and ‘women’ on their list of discouraged words, fired top women leaders in the military, and gutted offices that investigate discrimination against women. Their Betrayed for Billionaires Bill will strip reproductive rights and essential health care from Americans—disproportionately women,” said Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Chair of DWC. “Our Caucuses, which represent a beautiful potpourri of cultures and people, will continue to stand together against the Trump administration’s relentless attacks and in support of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. DEI is not a term to be feared, and we won’t let this administration foolishly weaponize it anymore.”

“Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are more than just ideals; they are the lived experiences of millions of Americans. We legislate them, and we must protect them. These principles are rooted in the unfinished promises of our Constitution and the ongoing pursuit of a more perfect union. As we face coordinated attacks on DEIA from those who fear progress, we affirm that America’s strength lies in its pluralism. We will not be intimidated. We will keep fighting to tear down barriers, correct generational injustices, and build a nation where opportunity is truly equal for all,” said Rep. Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01), Founder of DEIC.

This resolution highlights that diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts are not about preferential treatment or quotas, but about ensuring fairness and access for all; especially communities that have long faced systemic discrimination in education, healthcare, housing, employment, and other critical areas.