Grand Forks citizens voiced their views and opinions on the potential diversity commission.

Mayor Mike Brown and the City Council listened to the public input on the commission. There were about 80 residents who attended this forum, about 30 of whom spoke their minds.

During Monday’s forum, slightly more than half the speakers were fully in support for diversity and inclusiveness. Many of the speakers brought up personal reasons and stories for the need for the Commission on Diversity and Inclusiveness.

One speaker who was in full support was Natasha Thomas, an assistant professor of music therapy at UND. Thomas spoke on how this diversity commission would make Grand Forks a better community, the application process for the commission and its overall value.

“When deciding the structure of this commission, we considered the inclusion of as many representatives from the community as possible,” Thomas said. “Our goal is to have a true representation of the diversity in our community. The proposed process of nomination is by public nomination, giving anyone the chance to participate. It is also proposed that selection is determined by the mayor and city council, creating a fair and balance approach to the appointments.”

Not everyone in the audience was in support of the diversity commission. The Commission is said to receive $5000 from government funding each year.

“I would favor this commission be kept outside of government. Make it a non-profit, as they have done in Fargo. I would just assume leave this alone and not let it be a part of government,” Grand Forks resident Paul George said. “Five thousand bucks, I think we can find many ways to spend $5,000, but except on this commission, so let this be public and have them bring their issues to the council this would put them on equal footing with the rest of the citizens.”

After listening to the citizens of Grand Forks opinions Council members voiced their thoughts and concerns:

“If it gets up to the point where we are voting on it, I’m not in favor, the last thing I want is another government body,” Terry Bjerke said.

“In my mind, we have nothing to loose and everything to gain,” Council member Crystal Schneider said.

“After listening to tonight’s speakers, I have never been prouder than this community, I feel that we have all witnessed a key moment in this city’s history,” Bret Webber said.

“I do believe in diversity and inclusion the issue with me is the process and how much should happen,” Kein Vein said.

“I think we all fear change. How do we enact change? We educate,” Brown said.

Tony Watson is a news reporter for The Dakota Student. He can be reached at [email protected]