LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Washington, DC – At a press conference earlier today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries was asked about attacks on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. He responded as follows:
“Diversity, equity and inclusion are American values. Perhaps I can explain. The motto of the United States of America is e pluribus unum. Out of many, one. That’s diversity. The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution—one of the most important amendments in our country—provides equal protection under the law. That’s equity. In this country, we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. A flag that we just presented to the new President and Vice President. And in that pledge, we promise, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. A-L-L. That’s inclusion. Not complicated. Diversity, equity and inclusion are American values. It’s about economic opportunity. It’s about merit for everyone, based on what you know, not who you know.”