Is it possible to use <af:query> <af:queryCriterion></af:queryCriterion></af:query> in JDeveloper12?

I'm trying to implement a dynamic search form in ADF 12.2.1.3 and I'm running into a "blank page" issue that I can't seem to solve. I'm hoping someone can spot what I'm missing.

Goal
I have an af:query panel for searching Partners. I want one of the search fields, "Comm" (a checkbox), to be visible only when the "Department" LOV has a value other than 'IT'.

Problem
When I add the conditional rendering logic (rendered and partialTriggers), my page renders completely blank. The server log does not show any critical errors like NullPointerException, only benign warnings about ADF skins.

What I've Tried