Bill
SR 319
Designates July 2025 as Muslim American Heritage Month in Georgia to recognize contributions of Muslim Americans and encourage related observances and education.
Note on source material: The provided package contains two distinct resolution texts under the same bill number (SR 319). One is an Illinois Senate memorial resolution for Tony Etz; the other is a Georgia Senate resolution recognizing July 2025 as Muslim American Heritage Month. The summaries below treat them separately and identify the apparent mismatch so readers can verify the authoritative record in the applicable state legislative repository.
Status: Resolution adopted (introduced March 20, 2025; read/adopted March 25, 2025)
Purpose and intent
- To mourn the death of Tony Etz (d. March 10, 2025; age 64), commemorate his life and achievements, and extend condolences to his family, friends, and communities.
Key provisions / substantive content
- Recites biographical details: born in Beaufort, South Carolina; fourth-generation Knox College attendee; Knox College B.A. in English Writing (1983); M.F.A. from the University of Iowa (1985).
- Summarizes his entertainment-industry career: produced made-for-television movies (including Jack Reed telefilms starring Brian Dennehy), agent and later co-head of packaging at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) with a ~30-year career, involvement in packaging major TV series (e.g., Lost, House, Grey’s Anatomy, Big Little Lies, Band of Brothers).
- Describes philanthropic and educational roles: adjunct professor of media at University of Southern California (2011), long-standing service to Knox College (trustee from 2016; chair of the board from July 2021 until his death), chaired the presidential search resulting in C. Andrew McGadney’s appointment, helped launch a strategic plan and enrollment/financial initiatives.
- Notes personal details: married Nancy Axelrode (1999); son Alex (b. 2001); interests (travel, reading, music, sports); and establishment (with his wife) in 2024 of the Etz Family Institute for Civic Leadership and Dialogue at Knox College.
- Resolves to present a suitable copy of the resolution to the Etz family.
Who is affected
- Primarily ceremonial and commemorative: Tony Etz’s family, Knox College community, colleagues, and friends. No regulatory, fiscal, or programmatic changes.
Procedural/timeline notes
- Introduced March 20, 2025; read and adopted March 25, 2025 (reported enrolled same day). Resolution expresses condolences and directs presentation of a copy to the family.
Status: As-introduced text included in the record; listed sponsors and calendar activity indicate legislative consideration in 2025 (dates in May 2025 noted)
Purpose and intent
- To designate July 2025 as Muslim American Heritage Month in the State of Georgia and encourage civic and educational observances that recognize the history, culture, and contributions of Muslim Americans.
Key provisions / substantive content
- Finds that Muslim Americans have contributed substantially to charitable causes, public health (vaccination and disease-fighting efforts), education, arts, government, law, medicine, national security, and sports.
- Calls for public education, awareness, and culturally competent discourse regarding the experiences of Muslim Americans.
- Encourages officials (state, county, municipal), boards of education, schools, colleges, businesses, and citizens to hold appropriate ceremonies, programs, and activities during July 2025.
- Authorizes the Secretary of the Senate to make copies of the resolution available to the public and press.
Who is affected
- Symbolic designation intended to encourage public recognition and programming across governmental bodies, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and the general public in Georgia. No binding legal or fiscal changes.
Sponsors (as listed)
- Multiple Georgia state senators listed as primary sponsors, including Sally Harrell, Nabilah Islam Parkes, Sonya Halpern, RaShaun Kemp, Elena Parent, Donzella James, Nan Orrock, and many others.
Procedural/timeline notes
- The included legislative actions show entries in March–May 2025 (e.g., filed May 20, 2025; resolution adopted May 22, 2025; co-sponsors added May 20, 2025). Readers should consult the Georgia Senate docket for the final status and any amendments.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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