Pullman School District

Minutes

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Task Force Meeting

Date and Time

Tuesday July 22, 2025 at 5:30 PM

Location

Pullman Public Schools District Office

240 SE Dexter St. 

Pullman, WA 99163

Please note these are FINAL task force meeting minutes. Task Force meeting minutes do not require approval at a subsequent meeting since they are prepared and agreed upon by the task force at the end of the meeting. 

Committee Members Present

Cheyenne Webber, Colette Casavant, Courtney Hodge, Stephany RunningHawk Johnson

Committee Members Absent

Bekah Miller MacPhee, Craig Nelson, Daun Park, Jia Cheng, Retal Abdellatiffe

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

Stephany RunningHawk Johnson called a meeting of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Task Force Committee of Pullman School District to order on Tuesday Jul 22, 2025 at 5:30 PM.

II. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Task Force

A.

Tasks assigned by the School Board

Tasks reviewed. 

B.

Planning of Community Resource Events Hosted by PSD - "Community Connections"

The continued the discussion around planning a community event series aimed at promoting inclusion and shared understanding across Pullman. Interest forms were sent to a wide range of local organizations, with ten already expressing interest in participating. We're still awaiting a response from the Community Action Center.

 

Highlights from the discussion:

  • WSU ROAR expressed enthusiasm and noted more students could attend if events were inclusive of all, not just select groups.
  • SPIN suggested a 60–90-minute QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training that could be offered in an auditorium setting while other activities happen concurrently. Offering clock hours could encourage teacher participation and align language between educators and families.
  • The WSU Center for Civic Engagement may be a great partner to help support and amplify engagement at the event. The task force is also exploring ways to provide interpreter support, possibly through WSU's multicultural or international student resources. 
  • The task force is considering a seasonal series (Fall, Winter, Spring) with themes and connection points. PTAs and All Minds Matter clubs will be looped in for additional outreach.
  • Scheduling: Before selecting event dates, the task force will coordinate with community partners to find three potential options that work for most.

Additionally, the task force would like to hear from organizations like Palouse EDJE on how to communicate effectively and meet the most pressing needs in the community.

C.

Discussion: Ways to Support Students/Families Experiencing HIB/Discrimination in Our Schools

The task force discussed ways to support students and families experiencing harassment, intimidation, bullying (HIB), or discrimination in our schools. A key part of the conversation focused on inviting members from Palouse EDJE (Empowering Diversity, Justice, and Equity) to a future task force meeting to explore opportunities for collaboration. Since Palouse EDJE’s original proposal helped inspire the creation of the DEIB Task Force, this potential collaboration presents a natural alignment in discussing shared goals for equity and inclusion in the Pullman community.

D.

Task Force Membership Updates

The board will reopen the application process to fill current vacancies, including the open student positions. 

III. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 6:46 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Stephany RunningHawk Johnson