The Keizer Community Diversity Engagement Committee on Jan. 2 advanced a draft definition of “justice,” agreed to solicit broader community input on equity and equality, and postponed election of its chair and vice chair until the committee’s February meeting.

The committee also approved the minutes from its previous meeting and directed staff to share the draft definitions and an engagement matrix with city leadership and neighborhood groups for feedback ahead of a March work session.

The action matters because the committee’s definitions will shape how the city screens and onboards applicants to advisory bodies and how city projects are reviewed through a justice, equity, diversity and inclusion lens. Committee members said they want outside groups and the Volunteer Coordinating Committee to weigh in before the definitions are finalized.

New committee member Jane Chishineau introduced herself early in the meeting as a Keizer resident and former school-district employee. Youth liaison Liam Stitt said he is visiting local boards to learn how city government works: “I recently decided I’m going to try and visit all the committee and or board meetings, just to get a better sense of how city government works,” Stitt said.

Discussion focused on wording. Members recommended adding "religion" to the diversity definition and debated whether to use the term "equity" or "equality." Committee members ultimately recommended using "equity" for the draft but to include a question seeking input on that choice when they distribute the draft for public comment.

On the definition of justice, committee members agreed on draft language that frames justice as an active pursuit: the draft reads in part that “justice is the pursuit of fairness and equity, ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly, their rights are protected, and wrongs are addressed,” and that it “involves upholding laws, developing and executing policy, holding people accountable for their actions, and striving to create a society where everyone has equal access to opportunity and resources.” That paragraph will be shared as a draft for feedback.

Tim (staff liaison) said he will present the engagement matrix and the committee’s draft definitions to the city’s Executive Leadership Team and use neighborhood associations and other contacts to gather preliminary input. “If you folks do go out and share this with other groups, just remind them this is a draft,” Tim said, noting the committee has not adopted the language and is seeking preliminary feedback.

Procedurally, the committee agreed to postpone electing a chair and vice chair until its next meeting in February — the group discussed that several council appointments to committee seats are forthcoming, and members said it would be preferable for newly appointed representatives to participate in leadership selection. A committee member also noted the committee’s organizing resolution states that officer elections occur at the first meeting of the year; the committee nevertheless agreed to delay the election and place it on the next agenda.

The committee approved the minutes from its prior meeting by voice vote; members indicated assent and no opposition was recorded on the transcript. Staff reported they will regenerate the staff report from the December meeting and present an updated packet at the February meeting so the group can finalize items for the March work session.

Members agreed to circulate the draft definitions to neighborhood associations and other stakeholders, and to include the equity/equality question on outreach materials. The committee scheduled follow-up discussion at the March work session when broader feedback will be available.

The committee adjourned after roughly a half-hour of regular business; its next meeting was set for February, when members expect to hold officer elections.