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Philomath committee revises handbook language, seeks legal review
Summary
Committee members debated mission wording in the inclusivity handbook, questioned the term 'unlearning' and proposed replacing it with 'Fostering a safe space where learning, growing, and sharing can occur'; the group agreed to send language to the city attorney for review before finalizing.
The Philomath Inclusivity Committee reviewed draft mission and objectives language for its handbook and debated whether to retain the term 'unlearning.' During discussion several members said the phrase felt awkward or counterproductive, while others said it aimed to address implicit bias.
"Fostering a safe space where learning, growing, and sharing can occur" emerged as a widely supported revision and was read aloud and endorsed for inclusion pending legal review, a committee member said. Members said they will ask the mayor’s office or city attorney to confirm terminology that aligns with municipal language and legal requirements.
Committee members also discussed how the handbook should function: as a recurring touchstone for objectives and practice rather than a directive to rewrite municipal code. Several members suggested reviewing documents on an as‑needed basis and using the inclusivity committee to provide input during strategic plan updates or when other committees review policies.
The committee agreed to collect suggested wording edits from members (two minutes allotted per speaker for suggestions) and to finalize the objectives and practice section after receiving guidance from city legal staff.
Next steps: the committee will send proposed edits to the city attorney for recommended terminology and return a final document for approval and upload to the committee folder and website.
