HomeMy WebLinkAbout25.12.08 - Minutes, Diversityand Inclusion CommitteeWashington County Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Meeting Minutes
Zoom Registration Link
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/zurc5M_hRdggMXg2Rrdovg
Monday, December 8, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m.
I. Quorum and Call to Order in Open Session called to order at 7:01 p.m.
II. Board Attendance: Terence Ngwa (Chair), Angela Yamashita (Vice -Chair), Jeanine
Salifou (Secretary), ZSun-nee Miller-Matema, Fatima Sakarya, and Allenia Washington
Ex officio Attendance: Tiara Burnett (Hagerstown Councilwoman), Darrell Evans (Board of
Education), and Derek Harvey (County Commissioner)
Guest/Public Attendance: Ethan Loewen
Absent: Eric Schwartz
III. Approval of agenda (Fatima/Allenia)
IV. Review, approval, and adoption of November Minutes: (Angela/Allenia)
V. Introduction of Guests/Public Comments
*Public Comments are limited to 2 minutes per person*
• Ethan Loewen_ talking about DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion),
black children are affected by these policies,
• Need to reevaluate watching an interview of Warren Buffet.
VI. Liaison/Ex-Officios Reports
• City of Hagerstown — Councilwoman Tiara Burnett
I have nothing to report.
• County — Commissioner Derek Harvey
I understand the concern and was surprised at what Mike Guessford said about
protesting at the Islamic Society of Western Maryland Open House. Met with
the Islamic leaders and Mr. Guessford Concerns from the
international/national levels of political Islamic theology.
Nothing from the County Commissioners about problems with AI on social
media posts
• WCPS — Darrel Evans -
Board of Education Leadership
Terence - the role of this committee as an advisory board, a bridge between
the community and the county government, if we hear something, we need to
have a conversation. How can we support the BOE during this issue? The
advisory board should have been present during the meeting. We want a
solution standpoint. What is the role of ex -officio? We need to listen to
diverse viewpoints. We want the community to feel supported. We need to
have a separate meeting. No interrogation. We will make a recommendation
to the County Commissioner. Terence reviewed the priorities from our
Bylaws to remind us of our role. Stay focused on the local issues.
Darrel - doesn't know the power of the Board. He is not going to defend the
person's comment on Facebook. A person should not be forced out of an
elected position.
Mr. Harvey: The commissioners don't have authority over the BOE. The
Washington County Diversity and Inclusion Committee need to stay in our
lane.
Angela: The comment was on a public Facebook page. If the community is
bringing it to our attention, we should discuss it.
Fatima: He said on a media site that Islam Center was having an Open House,
we should protest. The connotation was negative. He is an appointed person.
The BOE should make a statement.
VII. Old Business
• Community Events
NAACAP Holiday Market is this Saturday, 12/13, at the Library, 11 to 3
pm
Angela does not know the cost of the table. Fatima and Allenia are
available.
Fatima/Angela motioned and seconded for us to have a table.
Terence - County Commissioners need to be more present in the
community.
• Finalize and approve "Excellence in Diversity" award — Attitudes of
America award
Terence - we need to have comments on the document by the January
meeting to make comments. Fatima will upload it.
VIII. New Business (Executive Session)
• WCBOE leadership
The BOE is having a meeting tomorrow. Terence: speak on a personal
capacity, not a Committee.
• NHHS & SHHS is having an HBCU & Me event on 12/18 at NHHS.
• Zunny is leaving. She will still help with the Awards.
• Other matters
IX. Adjourn at 7:59 pm (Zunny/Fatima)