Special Constable Service review at Laurier goes through next steps
Posted Jul 29, 2022 03:05:00 PM.
It's been over a year since an external review was released of Wilfrid Laurier's Special Constable Service, and this week, the school is sharing its response to that review and what steps they could take to move forward.
Eleven recommendations were made with an advisory committee of students, faculty, staff and alumni combing through what changes could be implemented, and how to better support those in the Black, Indigenous, racialized and 2SLGBTQIA+ community at the school.
“This plan represents Laurier's vibrant, diverse community in a fair and thoughtful manner,” said Darren Thomas in a release, associate vice-president, Indigenous Initiatives, who is on the advisory committee. “I believe these recommendations will foster our goal of ensuring all members of our community feel a sense of belonging.”
The committee agreed with most of the recommendations which include improving training and development of mental health supports, awareness of gender violence and cultural safety.
Building stronger relationships in the community and increasing access to services was also suggested, with the committee supporting the idea of a centrally located base of operations and a student safety patrol program.
It was also agreed there needs to be an increase in the hiring of equity-denied individuals.
An official plan of action is set to be released in the fall with those changes set to be phased in starting January 2023.
This is all part of Laurier's Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigeneity Action Plan.
“To ensure equity, diversity and inclusion on our campuses, it is vital that members of Black, Indigenous and racialized communities and members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community feel safe and supported,” said Barrington Walker, vice-president equity, diversity and inclusion, who is on the advisory committee. “I am confident the outcome of this review process will be beneficial in enhancing the SCS and improving relationships between our special constables and all of our community members.”
The full report can be read here.
