All Men (Anthropos) Are Created Equal
Bottom Line Up Front: All Men (Anthropos) Are Created Equal is not just a slogan – it’s our north star. Policies will be filtered through this: Does it treat anyone as less than equal? Does it uplift the principle of common humanity? We will endeavor to remove any laws that unjustly discriminate and will fight any resurgence of racism or sexism, whether from individuals or embedded in policy. Our vision is a Colorado where unity is built on recognition that, as Americans and children of God, we share an equal station. That unity gives us strength to tackle problems hand in hand, not as warring factions. We pledge to lead by example, appointing a diverse administration that values each person’s contribution, and fostering a culture where everyone rises together, equally free and equally dignified.
a. Foundational Belief: We hold the self-evident truth that all men are created equal – understanding “men” in the broad sense of Anthropos (Greek for “humanity”). Every human being, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, or any other trait, has equal intrinsic value and equal God-given rights. This comes straight from Genesis 1:27: “So God created man in His own image…male and female He created them.” Being made in God’s image bestows equal worth on each person. The New Testament reinforces equality: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28). While this speaks of spiritual standing, it underpins the idea that no earthly hierarchy can make one person inherently superior to another. Our nation’s birth document, the Declaration of Independence, anchored our law on this truth of human equality. Though America grievously struggled (with slavery, segregation) to fully realize this ideal, the ideal never changed – and by appealing to it, reformers like Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. ignited change. We recommit Colorado to this principle: in dignity and before the law, all individuals are equal.
b. Constitutional & Legal Implications: “Created equal” means laws should treat individuals equally without unjust discrimination. The Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment enshrines this at the federal level, and Colorado’s Constitution likewise prohibits denying any person equal protection of the laws. Originalism reminds us that these clauses were intended to stop laws that make distinctions based on immutable characteristics like race except where absolutely necessary. We support a truly color-blind government – not because we ignore the diverse experiences of different groups, but because favoritism or prejudice by law is an affront to equality. This means no special privileges or penalties based on race, sex, etc. – everyone should have the same rules and opportunities. For example, we oppose racial quotas or set-asides in public contracting or education; instead, we focus on equal opportunity and helping all who are disadvantaged (regardless of race). The Supreme Court’s recent decisions reinforce that discriminating “for benign purposes” is still discriminating. We agree with the late Justice Scalia: “In the eyes of government, we are just one race here. It is American.” This is affirmed in Genesis 9:18-19 and Acts 17:26-28.
c. Colorado Policy Conflicts: Colorado generally strives for equality, but some policies and recent trends threaten to undermine true equality:
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1. Race-Based Policies: Colorado has had Minority Business Enterprise goals in government contracts and certain hiring practices that explicitly consider race. While intended to remedy past discrimination, these can conflict with the principle of individual equality. Voters in some states (like California in 2020) reaffirmed bans on racial preferences. Colorado voters narrowly rejected an affirmative action ban back in 2008, but times have changed. We will seek to ensure merit-based, race-neutral government actions. We’ll increase outreach and training for disadvantaged communities (to broaden the pool), but the selection criteria for contracts, school admissions, etc., should be color-blind. We anticipate working with the legislature to review any statutes that allow or mandate preferential treatment. If need be, we’d support a ballot initiative to amend the state constitution to prohibit discrimination or preferences by the state – codifying a Civil Rights Act principle at the state level.
2. Critical Theory in Schools: Some current educational approaches, often lumped under “critical race theory” or similar, have drifted from teaching factual history into sorting students by oppressor/oppressed categories purely by skin color. We find this contrary to the message of equality and individual value. We want all Colorado students, of every background, to be treated as individuals with equal potential – not presumed guilty or victimized due to their race. We will mandate curriculum transparency and ensure that any teachings that stereotype or shame a group of students based on race are not allowed. Instead, civil rights history should be taught in full – including America’s sins – but emphasizing how our nation overcame them by appealing to our founding promise of equality. That inspires unity rather than division.
3. Equality of Opportunity vs. Outcome: We will align Colorado with equality of opportunity, not forced equality of outcome. For instance, an emerging idea is “salary transparency and equity” laws – Colorado passed an Equal Pay for Equal Work Act in 2019 which, while addressing real gender pay gaps, has had unintended consequences like some employers excluding Colorado remote workers due to posting requirements. We support equal pay for the same job and experience (that’s basic justice), but we must implement such laws in ways that don’t inadvertently penalize Colorado workers. We’ll consult with businesses and employees to adjust regulations so that we prevent discrimination without adding undue burdens that ironically limit opportunities for some. Real equality means tearing down artificial barriers to success (like discrimination), not guaranteeing equal outcomes regardless of effort or choice.
Additionally, all humans includes the unborn and the aged. In line with “created equal,” we consider unborn children as persons with equal right to life (see Life From Conception in Policy Positions) and our seniors and disabled as equally worthy of care and respect (we oppose policies that would pressure assisted suicide or ration care unfairly).