A RESOLUTION ADVANCING CIVILITY AND STRENGTHENING DISCOURSE IN THE DELAWARE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Hoffner & Rep. Dukes & Rep. Minor-Brown

Sens. Brown, Buckson, Cruce, Hansen, Hocker, Huxtable, Lawson, Lockman, Mantzavinos, Paradee, Pettyjohn, Pinkney, Poore, Richardson, Seigfried, Sokola, Sturgeon, Townsend, Walsh, Wilson; Reps. Berry, Burns, Hilovsky, K. Johnson, Lambert, Osienski, D. Short, Yearick

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 124

A RESOLUTION ADVANCING CIVILITY AND STRENGTHENING DISCOURSE IN THE DELAWARE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

WHEREAS, trust in democratic institutions is eroded when political discourse becomes hostile, personal, or unproductive; and

WHEREAS, the Delaware General Assembly, along with municipal and county governing bodies across this State, are forums where solutions are forged closest to the people, and elected officials bear responsibility to ensure that debate, both online and in-person, remains respectful, constructive, and focused on the common good; and

WHEREAS, civility is not weakness but strength, and demonstrating integrity, honesty, and respect in disagreement is essential to effective self-governance in the State of Delaware; and

WHEREAS, campaign rhetoric and national politics too often foster division, but Delaware legislators can set a different standard by modeling bipartisan cooperation and mutual respect in their official duties and public communications; and

WHEREAS, political violence and threats of violence are unacceptable and undermine public confidence in government and the safety of public servants, staff, and constituents; and

WHEREAS, public demand for civil, solutions-focused leadership is growing, and Delawareans increasingly expect their representatives to work together across political differences to address the needs of the State.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 153rd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that members of the General Assembly commit to advancing civility in Delaware by:

1. Modeling respectful debate in chambers, committee meetings, and public forums, regardless of political disagreement.

2. Hosting and supporting bipartisan gatherings and dialogues to build personal trust and understanding across the aisle.

3. Encouraging civil engagement from constituents by promoting respectful communication at town halls, public meetings, and on online platforms.

4. Mentoring new legislators to embrace civility as a cornerstone of effective lawmaking and public service.

5. Speaking out against incivility in political discourse, including in campaigns, media, and legislative debate.

6. Partnering with colleagues across party lines to champion legislation, events, and initiatives that foster collaboration and unity in Delaware.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED

that the members of the General Assembly

affirm civility as a public duty and pledge not only to lead by example but also to actively cultivate a political culture in this State where collaboration, respect, and productive discourse can thrive.

SYNOPSIS

This resolution affirms that members of the General Assembly are committed to civility in public discourse and that they will lead by example to actively cultivate a political culture in Delaware where collaboration, respect, and productive discourse can thrive.

Author: Senator Hoffner