Senate D's Go On Record Supporting DEI

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 03/18/2025) All 19 Senate Democrats went up on the voting board on Tuesday in support of affirming that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are “essential foundational principles" for achieving the "American Dream" and encouraging schools, workplaces and other organizations to adopt and uphold these principles in their work.

SR 18 , sponsored by Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), puts the Senate Democrats' politically vulnerable members – Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores) and Sen. Rosemary Bayer (D-Keego Harbor) – in particular, as supported the controversial philosophy that has Americans split nearly down the middle, according to NBC polling released on Tuesday.

A 49% plurality believe DEI programs should be eliminated, as President Donald Trump supports, while 48% believe the basic tenants of DEI should be advanced, according to NBC.

“The American Dream is the promise that belongs to all of us, not just a few. Policies regarding diversity, equity and inclusion are about widening pathways for achieving the American dream in every community,” said Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit). “They are about freedom of expression and the ability of all Michigander to pursue a brighter future . . . it looks like helping more women and girls enter science, technology and math fields.”

In response, Sen. Jim Runestad (R-White Lake) asked what “dysfunctional universe the Democrats live in bringing up a resolution demanding equity,” which he said means an outcome. Instead of focusing on other important issues of the day, Democrats are promoting resolutions on DEI instead of tackling more pressing issues of the day.

All of the Senate's 18 Republican members voted against the measure.