A request for an IDEA Committee, standing for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accountability, was formally made by Washington For Justice at Tuesday’s Washington City Council meeting. Dan Henderson explained the desire for the committee is in response to racism in the community, “And basically because we know racism exists, we’re asking the council to take a stand. Become anti-racists and establish the citizen’s advisory committee. Put actions behind words. Lead other communities in the county. Let’s evaluate our policies in the light of day and find out if there is systemic racism. Let’s send a message to our non-white residents, ‘We have your back.’” Henderson said the goals of the committee would be to review ordinances with different points of view, provide educational events, and advocate by providing a forum for marginalized voices to address issues.

City Council member Millie Youngquist said such conversations need to be had and posed the question of Washington For Justice becoming an official non-profit.

Mayor Jaron Rosien said he’s seen positive things as a result from discussions brought forward by Washington For Justice, “Good thing that I’ve seen happen are from two different councilors on opposite sides have brought to City Administrator Hinson and I’s attention an opportunity for a training for staff and elected officials that specifically addresses cultural sensitivity and implicit bias. I intended to bring that up at the end of our meeting when we discussed goals, and whether it’d be a unanimous goal of the council to offer that to our staff and any city council that wanted to attend.”

Rosien invited two members from Washington For Justice to join the police advisory panel and the city clerk hiring committee, and extended an invitation to apply for the open seats on the airport commission and the city’s hotel/motel committee.