Public Records Temporary Injunction Dismissed on May 2

On May 2, 2025, Kittitas County Superior Court Judge James Kirkham dissolved a temporary injunction that had prevented the City of Ellensburg from releasing 309 applications related to the proposed removal of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion chapter from its Comprehensive Plan. The injunction was initially requested by an applicant concerned about their contact information being disclosed. After hearing arguments, the court denied the motion for a permanent injunction, emphasizing the importance of public transparency in governmental processes. The City plans to release the public records to requestors on May 5, 2025. This legal decision reflects the ongoing community dialogue surrounding diversity and inclusion initiatives in local policy.

The case underscores the tension between individual privacy concerns and the public's right to access governmental records. Local residents and activists may view this as a pivotal moment in shaping future policy discussions. The ruling could influence how similar records requests are handled in the future.