Philomath committee debates handbook language and the use of 'unlearning'

Members of the Philomath Inclusivity Committee reviewed a redlined draft of the group’s handbook and considered several edits to structure, municipal code alignment and mission language.

Jessica Andrade presented two versions of the handbook — a readable version and a redlined version showing edits — and said she reorganized procedural documents and added introductory material about the committee’s founding. Members agreed the handbook should ultimately match the municipal code where statutory language exists and discussed whether to call out "official" versus "unofficial" members in the text.

The meeting turned into a substantive discussion over wording in the mission statement. One member objected to the term "unlearning," saying it felt exclusionary and suggested alternatives such as "learning and growing." The committee heard competing views: some said "unlearning" was useful to describe releasing harmful societal programming, while others said the term can be perceived as a buzzword tied to DEI vocabulary and might deter newcomers. "The unlearning feels like a little bit of a buzzword… it feels a little more pointed at DEI specific things," one member said.

Committee members agreed not to make major mission changes at the meeting and to table the larger mission rewrite for a future meeting after members have time to review the draft handbook and provide suggested edits. The committee asked staff to align handbook language with municipal code requirements and to add procedural clarifications (agenda deadlines, submission process, and staff roles) to the draft.

No formal vote was taken; the handbook review will continue with suggested edits incorporated and a follow‑up discussion planned.