Feb 18, 2023·edited Feb 18, 2023Liked by Richard Cheverton
When your only tool is the ideology of diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism, then every problem looks like white supremacy.
In August 2020 the movers and shakers at the City Club of Portland released what looks very much like a blueprint for the Portland Charter Committee's reform initiative. In so doing, they made it almost inevitable that charter reform would consider and advance only the interests of the city's favored historically marginalized racial and ethnic identity groups.
The first recommendation in the City Club's study "New Government for Portland. Part II: Rethinking how We Vote" laid the groundwork for the race-obsessed project that is underway today:
"Significant and expansive community out-reach [sic] efforts must be undertaken to ensure that the voices of historically marginalized communities are elevated in the final comprehensive package of reforms. Broad and thorough engagement is needed to understand the changes that would best meet the needs of those historically marginalized or shut out of the political process. We do not and cannot speak for all the communities of interest who would be impacted by reforms. This kind of civic engagement requires focused resources, leadership and commitment. We call on the City of Portland, philanthropic institutions, and supporters of civic engagement to prioritize this work in the coming years, and specifically during the 2021 charter review commission process."
Sometimes studies have no real-world impact. This one, on the other hand, far exceeded its authors' wildest expectations. One can only wonder what the great and the good at the City Club think about their brain child now that it's all grown up.
Not only were "significant and expansive community out-reach [sic] efforts . . . undertaken to ensure that the voices of historically marginalized communities [were] elevated in the final comprehensive package of reforms," those reforms only take into consideration the interests and needs of historically marginalized communities. So successful was the outreach to the downtrodden that all other "communities of interest" were effectively shut out of the process and the subsequent reforms.
Among other things, readers will learn that Portland's shadow government does not in fact convene behind closed doors in the Arlington Club, nor does it consist of the top-hat wearing, cigar-smoking capitalist landlords who haunt the dreams of the Twitter rabble. No, it has been operating in the open under the aegis of the City Club of Portland all along! It’s all quite transparent, though only City Club members get to vote on proposals that could well affect all Portlanders down the road:
"The City Club spent four years researching the City of Portland government and published two reports with one clear conclusion. Our current form of government and how we vote are outdated, inequitable, and in need of significant reform. We called for the City to conduct a public process to develop a new form of government. One informed by the collective wisdom, personal experiences, and creativity of a diverse group of Portlanders. Through the 2020-2022 Portland Charter Review process, we have the opportunity to do just that." https://www.pdxcityclub.org/advocacy/city-government-reform/
And:
"City Club has supported two member-led research reports about Portland’s form of government and elections. The first was charged with analyzing what the best form of government would be in terms of representation for the residents of Portland and whether Portland’s current commission form of government equitably represents all residents of the city."
"That report, supported by 92.6% of City Club members, recommended that Portland transition to a modified council/manager form of government, increase the size of the City Council, and switch to district-based elections — preferably with multiple City Council members elected in each district. At the conclusion of that report, that committee called for additional research on district elections and election systems."
Have Candace Avalos, Jo Ann Hardesty and all the other members of marginalized communities who have benefitted and will continue benefit from the City Club’s largesse sent a thank-you letter yet?
Richard, perhaps you should request a meeting with your rep to discuss neighborhood concerns, and see if it gets reported? Also curious to know, can a council member refuse to meet with a constituent or group of constituents?
Anyone see PPS’s Guadalupe Guerrero’s latest email? PPS always talks about restorative justice discipline (can’t be mean to students, especially POC students) but for the undescribed “racial assault” it’s time for hardcore punishment. Bring out “the rack” says Guadalupe and the school board.
Dear PPS Community,
Several weeks ago, at West Sylvan, there was a racist assault on a student. We wholeheartedly apologize to the student and family for experiencing this type of severe behavior. We also apologize to the entire African American community for not alerting all students and families in Portland Public Schools of this hate and bias incident that was experienced by one of our PPS students. We not only condemn this racist, harmful behavior, but we will also take a zero tolerance approach to it. It is unacceptable anywhere in Portland Public Schools. Wherever racism rears its head in PPS, it will be dealt with swiftly and decisively. We do not, and will not, tolerate racism.
This incident highlights another tension that PPS staff faces every day as they support our young learners. Many ugly incidents such as this can be educational opportunities – for the students directly involved, but also for broader communities. Something from a specific classroom might be worth sharing with a full school, a cluster of classrooms, or even across all students within a grade. PPS staff has to weigh the potential of these teachable moments against worsening the harm done or violating any students’ privacy.
Hateful acts at school are dangerous, disturbing and disruptive. Wherever they are in our district, we are responsible for providing a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment where every child can learn and grow to reach their potential. This incident deserved to be raised to our broader community. Doing so would have been consistent with our commitment to teaching, modeling, and living by antiracist values. Our students and staff deserve learning spaces free of hate and are also safe, caring, and positive. All students thrive in an antiracist culture that challenges everyone to take part in hard conversations and stomp out racism. To ensure a learning environment of safety, security and belonging for every student, PPS does not tolerate hate speech nor acts of discrimination. Therefore, this type of behavior should and will continue to carry severe consequences.
We encourage our families to take a moment to talk with your students about the importance of kindness, compassion, and respect for their peers and friends and also standing up to hate and violence, in all of its forms. The following resources can help support larger conversations with your student and additional learnings:
Tips for families to talk to their children about this incident
How we create a culture of racial equity and care
Resources on supporting students and families of color enduring racism
Together we can ensure that each PPS learning community is a welcoming space for every student.
Edie is on the commission? The surname confused me. Well, that’s the most excellent news I’ve heard. Not sure how she slipped in under the radar, but she’s going to be great. A definite ally to pushback against the ‘crazy’
Feb 17, 2023Liked by Richard Cheverton, Pamela Fitzsimmons
One truly scary - and illegal - theme that runs through this is a total disregard for the Oregon Public Meetins and Records Act (often mis-named the 'Freedom of Information Act, which is a federal law). Oregon Revised Chapter 192.et. seq. sets out the requirements for "openness" whih is apparently deliberately enigneered into NOT happening with this witches' brew of committees.
The fact is that if a city official is babysitting these groups and if they are acting on authority or funds that came in part or full from the City of County, they are subject to the Public Meetings law.
That emans no "blacking out" inconvient portions or even worse refusing to take minutes or deliberately not achieving a quorum as another excuse not to follow THE LAW.
Of course with a state AG who is complicit and a DA who is even more "in the bag," there are now actrual public officials people can count on to create TRUE "transparency."
Feb 17, 2023·edited Feb 17, 2023Liked by Richard Cheverton, Pamela Fitzsimmons
Another great article!!
“There they were, the Portland Districting Commission, arrayed like eggs in a crate on ZOOM.”
Hilarious! I love your metaphors! But a well researched and well written article! I too am fed up with “personal pronouns.” Jesus, who gives a shit?!
I don’t tell people my favorite sexual position, and I’ll never understand why pronouns are so damn important, either. We’ve got other more important things to worry about.
When your only tool is the ideology of diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism, then every problem looks like white supremacy.
In August 2020 the movers and shakers at the City Club of Portland released what looks very much like a blueprint for the Portland Charter Committee's reform initiative. In so doing, they made it almost inevitable that charter reform would consider and advance only the interests of the city's favored historically marginalized racial and ethnic identity groups.
The first recommendation in the City Club's study "New Government for Portland. Part II: Rethinking how We Vote" laid the groundwork for the race-obsessed project that is underway today:
"Significant and expansive community out-reach [sic] efforts must be undertaken to ensure that the voices of historically marginalized communities are elevated in the final comprehensive package of reforms. Broad and thorough engagement is needed to understand the changes that would best meet the needs of those historically marginalized or shut out of the political process. We do not and cannot speak for all the communities of interest who would be impacted by reforms. This kind of civic engagement requires focused resources, leadership and commitment. We call on the City of Portland, philanthropic institutions, and supporters of civic engagement to prioritize this work in the coming years, and specifically during the 2021 charter review commission process."
Sometimes studies have no real-world impact. This one, on the other hand, far exceeded its authors' wildest expectations. One can only wonder what the great and the good at the City Club think about their brain child now that it's all grown up.
Not only were "significant and expansive community out-reach [sic] efforts . . . undertaken to ensure that the voices of historically marginalized communities [were] elevated in the final comprehensive package of reforms," those reforms only take into consideration the interests and needs of historically marginalized communities. So successful was the outreach to the downtrodden that all other "communities of interest" were effectively shut out of the process and the subsequent reforms.
Those interested in getting a better idea of how we came to be where we are should read the City Club's "New Government for Portland. Part II: Rethinking how We Vote." https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wgcWnWy58YBq5ojdhUu72nMxvFLxrz-6/view
Among other things, readers will learn that Portland's shadow government does not in fact convene behind closed doors in the Arlington Club, nor does it consist of the top-hat wearing, cigar-smoking capitalist landlords who haunt the dreams of the Twitter rabble. No, it has been operating in the open under the aegis of the City Club of Portland all along! It’s all quite transparent, though only City Club members get to vote on proposals that could well affect all Portlanders down the road:
"The City Club spent four years researching the City of Portland government and published two reports with one clear conclusion. Our current form of government and how we vote are outdated, inequitable, and in need of significant reform. We called for the City to conduct a public process to develop a new form of government. One informed by the collective wisdom, personal experiences, and creativity of a diverse group of Portlanders. Through the 2020-2022 Portland Charter Review process, we have the opportunity to do just that." https://www.pdxcityclub.org/advocacy/city-government-reform/
And:
"City Club has supported two member-led research reports about Portland’s form of government and elections. The first was charged with analyzing what the best form of government would be in terms of representation for the residents of Portland and whether Portland’s current commission form of government equitably represents all residents of the city."
"That report, supported by 92.6% of City Club members, recommended that Portland transition to a modified council/manager form of government, increase the size of the City Council, and switch to district-based elections — preferably with multiple City Council members elected in each district. At the conclusion of that report, that committee called for additional research on district elections and election systems."
https://www.pdxcityclub.org/new-government/
Have Candace Avalos, Jo Ann Hardesty and all the other members of marginalized communities who have benefitted and will continue benefit from the City Club’s largesse sent a thank-you letter yet?
Richard, perhaps you should request a meeting with your rep to discuss neighborhood concerns, and see if it gets reported? Also curious to know, can a council member refuse to meet with a constituent or group of constituents?
Neisha Saxena, don't we already have a multiracial democracy?
Anyone see PPS’s Guadalupe Guerrero’s latest email? PPS always talks about restorative justice discipline (can’t be mean to students, especially POC students) but for the undescribed “racial assault” it’s time for hardcore punishment. Bring out “the rack” says Guadalupe and the school board.
Dear PPS Community,
Several weeks ago, at West Sylvan, there was a racist assault on a student. We wholeheartedly apologize to the student and family for experiencing this type of severe behavior. We also apologize to the entire African American community for not alerting all students and families in Portland Public Schools of this hate and bias incident that was experienced by one of our PPS students. We not only condemn this racist, harmful behavior, but we will also take a zero tolerance approach to it. It is unacceptable anywhere in Portland Public Schools. Wherever racism rears its head in PPS, it will be dealt with swiftly and decisively. We do not, and will not, tolerate racism.
This incident highlights another tension that PPS staff faces every day as they support our young learners. Many ugly incidents such as this can be educational opportunities – for the students directly involved, but also for broader communities. Something from a specific classroom might be worth sharing with a full school, a cluster of classrooms, or even across all students within a grade. PPS staff has to weigh the potential of these teachable moments against worsening the harm done or violating any students’ privacy.
Hateful acts at school are dangerous, disturbing and disruptive. Wherever they are in our district, we are responsible for providing a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment where every child can learn and grow to reach their potential. This incident deserved to be raised to our broader community. Doing so would have been consistent with our commitment to teaching, modeling, and living by antiracist values. Our students and staff deserve learning spaces free of hate and are also safe, caring, and positive. All students thrive in an antiracist culture that challenges everyone to take part in hard conversations and stomp out racism. To ensure a learning environment of safety, security and belonging for every student, PPS does not tolerate hate speech nor acts of discrimination. Therefore, this type of behavior should and will continue to carry severe consequences.
We encourage our families to take a moment to talk with your students about the importance of kindness, compassion, and respect for their peers and friends and also standing up to hate and violence, in all of its forms. The following resources can help support larger conversations with your student and additional learnings:
Tips for families to talk to their children about this incident
How we create a culture of racial equity and care
Resources on supporting students and families of color enduring racism
Together we can ensure that each PPS learning community is a welcoming space for every student.
These are our commitments to you.
PPS Superintendent
Guadalupe Guerrero
PPS Board of Education
Andrew Scott, Chair
Gary Hollands, Vice-Chair
Julia Brim-Edwards
Michelle DePass
Herman Greene
Eilidh Lowery
Amy Kohnstamm
Byronie McMahon, Student Representative
Wow. How will they achieve a permanent minority led city council if they can’t gerrymander districts by race?
Edie is on the commission? The surname confused me. Well, that’s the most excellent news I’ve heard. Not sure how she slipped in under the radar, but she’s going to be great. A definite ally to pushback against the ‘crazy’
One truly scary - and illegal - theme that runs through this is a total disregard for the Oregon Public Meetins and Records Act (often mis-named the 'Freedom of Information Act, which is a federal law). Oregon Revised Chapter 192.et. seq. sets out the requirements for "openness" whih is apparently deliberately enigneered into NOT happening with this witches' brew of committees.
The fact is that if a city official is babysitting these groups and if they are acting on authority or funds that came in part or full from the City of County, they are subject to the Public Meetings law.
That emans no "blacking out" inconvient portions or even worse refusing to take minutes or deliberately not achieving a quorum as another excuse not to follow THE LAW.
Of course with a state AG who is complicit and a DA who is even more "in the bag," there are now actrual public officials people can count on to create TRUE "transparency."
Another great article!!
“There they were, the Portland Districting Commission, arrayed like eggs in a crate on ZOOM.”
Hilarious! I love your metaphors! But a well researched and well written article! I too am fed up with “personal pronouns.” Jesus, who gives a shit?!
I don’t tell people my favorite sexual position, and I’ll never understand why pronouns are so damn important, either. We’ve got other more important things to worry about.