During a recent meeting of the Community Diversity Engagement Committee in Keizer, Oregon, community members voiced strong support for maintaining the committee's focus on diversity amid concerns about recent remarks from city officials. The meeting, held on March 6, 2025, featured passionate testimonies from residents advocating for inclusivity and the importance of representation in local governance.

Jacqueline Green, a lifelong Keizer resident, emphasized the committee's role in fostering community unity. She argued against changing the committee's name, stating that such a move could alienate residents and undermine the group's mission to advocate for all community members, regardless of their backgrounds. Green praised the committee's efforts over the past year, highlighting their commitment to engaging with the community and turning feedback into actionable initiatives.

Michael Welsh expressed his disappointment with recent comments from city council members, who referred to diversity as a "weaponized term." He passionately defended the concept of diversity, asserting that it is a fundamental strength of any thriving community. Welsh urged the council to embrace diversity and work towards uniting the community rather than creating divisions.

Levi Herrera, a Salem resident with ties to Keizer, pointed out specific areas for improvement within the committee's outreach efforts, including language translation and representation in cultural events. He echoed the sentiments of previous speakers, advocating for the committee to retain its focus on diversity and strengthen its initiatives to better serve the community.

The discussions highlighted a clear consensus among residents: the importance of diversity in fostering a cohesive and inclusive community. As the committee continues its work, the voices of Keizer residents underscore the need for ongoing dialogue and action to ensure that all community members feel valued and represented. The committee's future efforts will be crucial in addressing these concerns and enhancing community engagement.