Estacada leaders disband DEI committee formed following 2020 protests

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Estacada leaders have decided to nix the city’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.

It was disbanded with a 5-2 vote at an Estacada City Council meeting. The volunteer group was first formed in October 2020 to help the council address local DEI matters.

That same year, Mayor Sean Drinkwine publicly apologized after criticizing Black Lives Matter vigils. Before introducing the motion to reconsider the future of the city’s DEI committee on Monday night, he gave a disclaimer that he is not racist.

“I can honestly tell you I have never thought racist about any color, creed or religion in my life,” Drinkwine said. “Let’s be clear going forward, if you want to use my name. Use my name for the person that I am — not who you’ve heard I am, not who you think I am, but who I am.”

The mayor went on to say the committee has a purpose, but it isn’t the “right fit” for the city. He also argued that the idea of DEI has been impacted by political beliefs.

According to Councilor Michael McElroy, committee members have told officials they haven’t received enough direction. He suggested that an ad-hoc committee could better serve the community.

Councilor Jon Dolezal noted the federal push to stop issuing government funds to entities with DEI committees, after Heidi Prokop stated national issues “don’t have anything to do with” the purpose of the local group.

“If we get rid of this committee, we need to ask if this action causes more suffering or alleviates suffering,” Prokop said. “If the benefit outweighs the risk, at some point, both sides have to compromise for the greater good of everyone.”

She added that forming an ad-hoc group would halt the progress the committee has already made.

The now-dissolved DEIC’s responsibilities included outreach for “historically underrepresented groups” and reviewing local policies through an “equity lens.”

Council President Jerry Tenbush argued the committee hasn’t done anything to cause division within the city, but ultimately, the “stigma” DEI led to the disbandment of the group.

“My definition is they’re applying unequal standards to ensure preferential outcomes for individuals and groups based on race, sex and gender identity,” Councilor Matthew Blevens Said. “I don’t see a reason why we can’t get rid of this and you guys reassemble a committee with clear, very concise ideas.”

Several public entities have reevaluated their diversity-focused programming after President Donald Trump signed an executive order to stop doling out federal funds to DEI efforts. A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction against the order last Friday.