Bill Text: NJ SJR126 | 2018-2019 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designates July 2 of each year as "Diversity and Unity Day."
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2019-03-04 - Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee [SJR126 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2018-SJR126-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Senator VIN GOPAL
District 11 (Monmouth)
SYNOPSIS
Designates July 2 of each year as "Diversity and Unity Day".
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating July 2 of each year as "Diversity and Unity Day".
Whereas, On July 2, 1964 President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the "Civil Rights Act of 1964" which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin and helped to end racial segregation in education, employment, and public spaces; and
Whereas, After decades of filibusters by Southern Senators on civil rights legislation, a bipartisan coalition of legislators were able to break the gridlock and pass the "Civil Rights Act of 1964"; and
Whereas, Building on the momentum of the "Brown v. Board of Education" U.S. Supreme Court decision, the "Civil Rights Act of 1964" created legal remedies for those still experiencing discrimination in schools; and
Whereas, The "separate but equal" doctrine in education deprived multiple generations of Americans access to the same educational opportunities as their peers; and
Whereas, Equality of opportunity is fundamental to American values and education is a critical component to achieving the American Dream; and
Whereas, Discrimination in employment negatively impacted the ability of certain minority groups to be hired, impeding their ability to advance up the economic ladder; and
Whereas, Those wishing to work and be a part of the larger economy were shut out for arbitrary reasons based on race, sex, or religion; and
Whereas, The creation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission through the "Civil Rights Act of 1964" has given workers the ability to hold private businesses accountable for discriminatory actions and ensure equal access to jobs; and
Whereas, Discrimination and segregation in restaurants, entertainment venues, and other public areas forced Americans to live in two separate societies where access to services by minority groups was restricted; and
Whereas, The inability of minority groups to participate in daily life free from discrimination reinforced the view that they were second class citizens; and
Whereas, New Jersey is home to a wide variety of people of different races, ethnicities, and religions and the State should celebrate the diversity of its citizens; and
Whereas, The State should recognize the continued struggles that many still face because of who they are and continue to pursue equality for all under the law; now, therefore,
Be It
Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of
the State of New Jersey:
1. July 2 of each year is recognized as "Diversity and Unity Day" in New Jersey.
2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing "Diversity and Unity Day" and shall call upon public officials, private organizations and all citizens of this State to observe this day each year with appropriate events and activities.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This joint resolution designates July 2 of each year as "Diversity and Unity Day".
Prior to the "Civil Rights Act of 1964," many people lived with daily discrimination that impacted where they worked, how their children were educated, and how they were treated in public space. Differences in race, ethnicity, sex, and religion were used to divide Americans into classes of citizens and were the basis of segregation in many aspects of public life. Segregation in schools, discriminatory hiring practices, and the inability for groups to even eat at the same restaurants created a second class citizen status for many Americans. The passage of the "Civil Rights Act of 1964" marked a major step in our attempt to reconcile our core American values of equality and opportunity with the lived experiences of those facing discrimination.
This resolution calls for New Jersey residents to celebrate the diversity that makes the State prosperous and welcoming while recognizing that society should continue to take steps to fully secure the rights of all people. The State of New Jersey has one of the most diverse populations in the country and these differences are a source of strength for the residents of New Jersey.
The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing "Diversity and Unity Day" and shall call upon public officials, private organizations and all citizens of this State to observe this day each year with appropriate events and activities.
