Resolution 5 concerning Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility
Marnie Delaney
Marnie Delaney
Introducing the Resolution
DEIA, or diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are, together, the gateways to full participation for every individual in every corner of the U.S. and beyond. Getting to, and through, these gateways has required centuries of painful, hard-fought battles against hatred, discrimination and violence. But, today, Republicans in Congress, along with members of the current Administration and outside domestic terrorism groups, have weaponized those words. They deliberately use misleading expressions like “she’s a DEI hire” to marginalize people who are their real targets. Their actions are racist, homophobic, ableist, targeted at certain religions and countries of origin, demeaning to the sacrifices of our military and veterans, neglectful of any responsibility to seniors, deadly for children and others living in poverty, ignorant of history, and are just plain nasty, bullying, un-American and full of false, dangerous words and deeds.
This resolution, in short, seeks to:
Unequivocally condemn the war against diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility being waged by Republicans and their allies.
Recommit us to fighting for these democratic ideals and against any attempt to undermine them.
Strengthen the understanding, commitment, adherence and ability to speak on DEIA issues among our members.
Seek action from our leadership to provide continuing support for our DEIA principles within DA and beyond.
Protecting DEIA: A Resolution to Defend Equal Opportunity, Justice, and Belonging for All
Reaffirming the Commitment of Democrats Abroad to Inclusive Progress
Author/Sponsor: Marnie Delaney/Malaika Kusumi
Co-Sponsors: DA Global Disability Caucus; Tory Mallett, Immediate Past Chair, Switzerland; Sue Kronenfeld, Canada; DA AAPI Caucus;
Co-Sponsor Form: https://forms.gle/cLQd8viJqA2LykeX9—
WHEREAS the United States has a long and painful history of discrimination, exclusion, and violence based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual and gender identity, age, military status, socioeconomic status, and other identity markers; And
WHEREAS in response to deeply entrenched injustices, federal and state governments—often pushed by grassroots activism, especially the Black Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s—developed policies to correct structural exclusion and expand access to rights and resources; And
WHEREAS landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, driven by Black-led civil rights leadership, transformed the national approach from passive non-discrimination to proactive inclusion, laying the groundwork for affirmative action, and later, DEIA initiatives; And
WHEREAS the original intent of affirmative action was not to give unfair preference, but to ensure that individuals historically excluded on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual and gender identity, age, military status, socioeconomic status, and other identity markers had fair access to employment, education, and public services; And
WHEREAS DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) policies and practices evolved from these foundational efforts, creating a framework to recognize and address broader, systematic patterns of disadvantage across all communities; And
WHEREAS
- Diversity ensures institutions reflect and benefit from the talents and experiences of the communities they serve, driving innovation, collaboration, and institutional improvements;
- Equity eliminates unjust barriers and facilitates fair and equal access to opportunity for all individuals;
- Inclusion ensures full participation without fear of bias, marginalization, or discrimination;
- Accessibility removes or minimizes physical, technological, and systemic barriers to ensure all people can fully engage and participate equally; AND
WHEREAS the positive impacts of DEIA policies are clear and measurable, including:
- Greater fairness in hiring and education;
- Stronger workplace cultures and public institutions;
- Improved public health outcomes and economic performance;
- A more representative democracy and military; And
WHEREAS these gains are now under coordinated attack by political figures and ideologues who have misrepresented DEIA efforts through misinformation, fearmongering, and false accusations of "preferential treatment"; And
WHEREAS these attacks have real consequences, contributing to the rollback of anti-discrimination protections, public confusion, weakened accountability, and harm to programs that serve people across lines of race, gender, class, and ability, including impact on individuals, businesses and individuals in the countries where our members reside; Therefore
BE IT RESOLVED that Democrats Abroad absolutely supports the principles of meritocracy while unequivocally condemning any effort to dismantle, diminish, or defund DEIA policies and programs at any level of government; And
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Democrats Abroad reaffirms the continued need for policies that address systemic inequality, combat bias, and ensure all people—regardless of background—can live with dignity, opportunity, and full civic inclusion; And
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Democrats Abroad requests that the Global Executive Committee, in a timely manner, take appropriate steps to:
1. Communicate this resolution to Democratic Party leadership, relevant congressional offices, and the Administration;
2. Publicly reaffirm our global community's commitment tor DEIA within Democrats Abroad and beyond ;
3. Incorporating input from members, evaluate how best to institutionalize and strengthen DEIA efforts within Democrats Abroad, including considering existing structures, and determine whether a new working group or another mechanism is the most effective path forward.
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Malaika Kusumi
It’s one thing to say we believe in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. It’s another to put that belief into writing, to sign your name to it, and to stand behind it with action. Words matter—but actions speak louder. And silence? Silence speaks volumes too. It often aligns—intentionally or not—with those working to distort and discredit DEIA, turning it into yet another twisted MAGA slogan.
How dare they say “they didn’t earn it” to people who have most definitely earned it.
That’s why this resolution matters. This is not a side issue or a symbolic gesture—it is central to our mission and our credibility as Democrats Abroad.
I know firsthand what it costs when we’re not serious, consistent, or strong on this front. So I’m asking—sincerely and directly—for your support. Please co-sponsor this resolution.
With appreciation and resolve,
Malaika
