CR- DEI & Civil Rights

All Are Welcome

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

We are BIG believers of liberty and justice for all.  Our forefathers laid the groundwork for a nation built on liberty and justice, would likely see the DEI initiatives as a continuation of their vision—a pursuit to form a more perfect union where every person's rights and freedoms are acknowledged and protected. This would be seen as an evolution of their original ideals, adapting to the complexities of a modern and diverse society, ensuring that the principles of liberty and justice are not just theoretical concepts, but lived realities for all.

From The Declaration on July 4th, 1776

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness..."

  1. Diversity: This statement recognizes the inherent equality of all individuals, which is a cornerstone of diversity. It implies that every person, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or beliefs, is equal and deserves equal respect and consideration. In a modern context, this translates to valuing the diverse perspectives and experiences each individual brings to the table, acknowledging that such diversity strengthens and enriches communities and organizations.

  2. Equity: The phrase "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights" speaks to the idea of equity. It suggests that these rights are not granted by society, but are inherent and should be equally accessible to all. Equity involves creating conditions that allow everyone to have access to the same opportunities, recognizing that different people may need different resources and support to achieve similar outcomes. This principle is reflected in efforts to remove barriers and provide the necessary support to ensure everyone can succeed.

  3. Inclusion: The pursuit of happiness, as a fundamental right, aligns with the concept of inclusion. It’s not just about having diverse individuals in a space but ensuring they feel welcomed, valued, and able to participate fully. Inclusion means creating environments where individuals can thrive, contribute, and pursue their own version of happiness, without fear of discrimination or exclusion.

In summary, this iconic sentence from the Declaration of Independence can be seen as an early articulation of the values that underpin DEI initiatives today. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and respecting the inherent dignity and equality of all individuals, providing equitable opportunities, and fostering inclusive environments that allow everyone to pursue their own happiness and potential.

We Reserve the Right to Refuse Business

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects the freedom of speech, allowing individuals to freely express their opinions without government interference. This fundamental right is a cornerstone of American democracy, fostering a society where diverse viewpoints and ideas can be openly shared and debated. However, this freedom does not imply that others are obliged to endorse or support these opinions. In the context of business or personal interactions, individuals and organizations retain the right to choose who they associate or work with. This means that while one may freely express their opinions, others have the equal freedom to decide whether to engage with, collaborate, or dissociate from those expressing certain viewpoints. This selective association is a form of expression in itself, reflecting personal or organizational values and beliefs. Thus, the First Amendment supports a balance where free expression is protected, yet individuals and entities are not compelled to support or align with all expressed opinions, allowing them to choose their associations based on their own principles and preferences.

CR Rail & Fence stands strongly behind our ideals and our team members.  If it is a choice between earning a customer who do not share our ideals & value, we are happy to help that customer patronage elsewhere and fully support our team.  CR Rail & Fence reserve the right to refuse business. 

Attribution: Joe Rosenthal - https://www.apnews.com/f00e1181d57a414a848ac96b772839fddirect linkThis file was derived from: Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima, larger.jpeg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=77823832