Estacada DEI committee urges council to keep panel as critics cite national controversy

Members of Estacada’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee told the City Council at a public workshop that the volunteer group helps reach underrepresented residents and provides direct services, while several councilors and residents argued the committee reflects divisive national trends and should be restructured or dissolved.

The committee’s chair, Tammy Beatty, told the council she is a “strong conservative Christian woman” who nonetheless values the committee’s work and the diversity it brings: “There are many people in this community who have similar beliefs to mine. However, there are a whole lot of other community members who do not have the same beliefs as I have, and I value that. That is what makes this community diverse and beautiful.” Beatty and other committee members cited local projects and outreach as examples of the committee’s impact.

The workshop matters because the council is weighing whether to retain the committee, rename it or move its work into other structures. Supporters said removing the committee would weaken local outreach and volunteer efforts; critics said…