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Resident alleges removal from IDEA Committee amid land-acknowledgment dispute; co‑chair disputes claim
Summary
During public comment, resident BJ Park said he was removed from the IDEA Committee for opposing a land-acknowledgment. IDEA co-chair Chris Paul replied that Park’s term expired and non-reappointment appeared related to attendance, not his views; councilors discussed clarifying appointment rules.
Tualatin — At public comment, resident BJ Park accused the IDEA Committee and related appointment process of removing him in November after he opposed a proposed land-acknowledgment that he said would 'announce we are on stolen land.'
Park identified himself as a longtime Tualatin resident and former IDEA Committee member and said he believed his non-reappointment was politically motivated. He said the committee had 'piecemealed' discussion of the land-acknowledgment and that advocates wanted language he considered divisive.
IDEA Committee co-chair Chris Paul responded during the public-comment period, saying Park’s term had expired and that the committee and appointment panel judged participation and attendance when making reappointment recommendations. Paul said he did not believe Park’s non‑reappointment was tied to his views on the land-acknowledgment and urged the committee to proceed carefully and inclusively while considering the topic.
Councilors asked for clarity on appointment procedures and agreed the council could make information about committee terms and reappointment criteria clearer. The chair indicated the rules allow one public-comment turn and noted process questions could be followed up with staff.
No formal action was taken; the council moved on to the consent agenda after the exchange.
