Bill
SR 18
Michigan Senate adopts a non-binding resolution affirming DEI as essential to the American Dream and urges schools, workplaces, and governments to adopt DEI policies; no legal effect.
Status: Adopted (Senate) — Adopted March 18, 2025 (Senate read/adopted earlier by roll call; recorded votes show unanimous support in one reading: Ayes 36, Noes 0)
Type: Senate resolution (non‑binding)
Primary sponsors (as introduced in Michigan): Senators Stephanie Chang, Mallory McMorrow, Dayna Polehanki, Winnie Brinks/others listed in text — offered by Senators Chang, Cavanagh, Geiss, Santana, Anthony, Bayer, McMorrow, Camilleri, Shink, and Polehanki.
Note: The provided source materials included several different “SR 18” documents from other states/agendas. This summary addresses the Michigan Senate Resolution titled “A resolution affirming that the Michigan Senate recognizes diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential foundational principles for achieving the American Dream…”
Purpose and intent
- To affirm the Michigan Senate’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as fundamental principles that support the American Dream — i.e., opportunity, prosperity, and upward mobility for all.
- To encourage policymakers, educational institutions, workplaces, and other organizations at local, state, and federal levels to adopt and uphold DEI principles in their work.
Key provisions
- Expresses legislative findings that DEI:
- Embodies and strengthens opportunity and shared prosperity;
- Is rooted in the nation’s civil‑rights history (references 19th Amendment, Civil Rights Act of 1964, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990);
- Removes barriers to opportunity, strengthens workplace productivity and morale, and fosters innovation.
- Asserts that DEI principles are consistent with constitutional rights (including freedom of speech and expression) and opposes actions by elected leaders that would prohibit or limit DEI‑informed policies.
- Encourages adoption and maintenance of DEI policies that:
- Promote inclusivity;
- Protect freedom of expression;
- Remove barriers and provide equitable opportunities.
- Directs transmission of copies of the resolution to federal and state leaders (President, congressional leaders, the Governor, and the Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives).
Who is affected / potential impact
- Direct legal effect: none — this is a non‑binding, declarative Senate resolution (symbolic and policy‑expressive).
- Practical/political effects: signals the Michigan Senate’s official support for DEI principles; may influence public discourse, guidance, institutional priorities, and advocacy efforts in education, state agencies, workplaces, and local governments. It can be cited by proponents of DEI initiatives but does not create regulatory or funding mandates.
Procedural/timeline notes
- Introduced and advanced through regular Senate resolution procedures and adopted by the Senate (adopted March 18, 2025). As a resolution, it requires no gubernatorial signature and does not create enforceable law or appropriations.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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