Madison, WI – State Representative David Murphy (R-Hortonville) today celebrated the Wisconsin State Assembly’s passage of Assembly Joint Resolution 102 (AJR 102), the Equality Amendment, which he authored along with Senator Steve Nass. The measure, approved by a 54-45 vote, proposes a constitutional amendment to prohibit discrimination or preferential treatment by any governmental entity based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public employment, education, contracting, and administration.
The Equality Amendment aims to ensure that all decisions in Wisconsin’s public sector are grounded in merit, fairness, and equality. It applies comprehensively to all state agencies, local governments, school boards, and other public entities created by law or the constitution, restoring a level playing field for every Wisconsinite.
“This is a monumental step forward for our state,” said Representative Murphy. “The Equality Amendment restores merit, fairness, and equality to all Wisconsin governmental entities, from the State Capitol to our local school boards. In a time when divisive policies have undermined equal opportunity, this amendment reaffirms our commitment to judging individuals based on their skills, qualifications, and character—not on immutable characteristics. It’s a return to the core values that make Wisconsin strong.”
Modeled after successful reforms in other states, such as Michigan’s 2006 constitutional amendment upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, AJR 102 prohibits governmental discrimination while promoting true equality through merit-based practices. If advanced by the Senate and approved in a subsequent legislative session, the amendment will go before Wisconsin voters for ratification.
Representative Murphy emphasized the broad impact of the Equality Amendment: “Whether it’s hiring the best teachers for our schools, awarding contracts to the most qualified bidders, or ensuring fair access to public programs, this amendment guarantees that every decision is made with fairness at its core. It’s about building a stronger, more unified Wisconsin for all.”
The resolution now moves to the Wisconsin State Senate for consideration and would eventually be set for a November 2026 Referendum date.
