MARSHALL — For over a year, city officials have been discussing the need to have Marshall be a welcoming and inclusive community for everyone. Now, they’re opening up that important conversation to Marshall community members, to serve on a new nine-person Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Commission.

The City Council approved the creation of the DEI Commission at their regular meeting Tuesday.

“This Commission is an important first step and aligns with our community goal from our planning sessions held in 2019 where diversity, equity and inclusion were key comments expressed,” said Marshall Mayor Bob Byrnes.

The DEI Commission is part of a wider effort to promote belonging, as well as creating an ongoing dialogue where the city can explore inequities and be a change agent for race equity in the community, city officials and staff said Tuesday.

The creation of the DEI Commission grew out of the city’s 2020-2024 strategic plan, which included the goal of fostering an inclusive and welcoming community. In 2020, a city working group recommended a formal commission be established, city staff said in a Tuesday announcement.

The DEI Commission will be formed of up to nine members. Any person over 18 years old with a strong connection to the city of Marshall and with either personal, educational or professional experience is encouraged to apply. The DEI Commission will be taking purposeful action to advance learning and innovative ideas, through the following guiding principles of equity, equality, inclusion, collaboration, and transparency, the city announcement said.

SMSU Director of Diversity of Inclusion and DEI Commission Chair Jefferson (Jay) Lee IV stated, “I look forward to working with the Commission on ways we can promote diversity, equality, inclusion and a sense of belonging.”

Community members interested in serving on the DEI Commission can contact Marshall City Clerk Kyle Box for more information, either by calling 507-537-6775, or by e-mail at Kyle.box@ci.marshall.mn.us.