Keizer diversity committee advances draft "justice" definition, postpones officer election

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…