Ellensburg council reappoints Teresa Devine to DEI commission after extended, sometimes heated public comment

The Ellensburg City Council voted May 5 to reappoint Teresa Devine to the city’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission after more than 30 minutes of public comment on DEI and a separate council vote to continue remaining speakers later in the evening.

Council members moved and seconded a motion to accept the DEI subcommittee’s recommendation to reappoint Teresa Devine; the motion was approved by the council. Council members described Devine as a tenured faculty member at Central Washington University who teaches in the law and justice department and who has previously worked with local law enforcement and community programs.

The reappointment came amid a large public-comment block that the mayor opened for non-agenda items. Speakers who opposed DEI said it privileges particular groups and undermines equal treatment; speakers who supported DEI described specific harms and services and urged the city to preserve the commission. Logan Cook, who identified himself as a city resident, said, “DEI is un American and should be removed from the city of Ellensburg.” Mike Ballas, who also spoke in opposition, said DEI’s emphasis on “equity” risks granting some residents special treatment at others’ expense. Supporters warned of real consequences from removing DEI. Amanda Resser, director of the nonprofit Helen House, said, “Removing the DEI commission won’t silence our existence. It will only send a message that our city is willing to turn its back on some of its most vulnerable residents.” Other supporters described DEI-funded programs and services, and told personal stories about how Commission work had helped community members.

After roughly 30 minutes of remarks, the council debated whether to continue the public-comment period. A council member moved to continue the remaining speakers who had signed up until the end of the meeting or 10 p.m.; an amendment removing the 10 p.m. cap passed, and the council approved continuing the remaining signed speakers after the regular agenda.

Council members and staff noted the issue will also be discussed through the city’s comprehensive-plan amendment process this summer and at a scheduled joint study session with the DEI commission in June. The mayor reminded speakers that council rules limit public-comment time for non-agenda items and that council meetings are a limited public forum with established procedures for decorum.

No ordinance, funding change, or formal policy change was made at the meeting beyond the appointment. The reappointment and the vote to continue public comment were the formal actions taken on the DEI matter that evening.

The council’s fuller review of the DEI commission’s role is expected to proceed through the planning and comp‑plan amendment process noted by staff, which council members said will include additional public engagement and opportunities for discussion.