Brock University: Human rights, equity and decolonization committee returns to action

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With the academic year now well underway, the work of Brock’s President’s Advisory Committee for Human Rights, Equity and Decolonization (PACHRED) has also resumed.

Formed in 2018 to advise on issues facing equity-seeking communities, PACHRED represents constituents across the University, including students, staff and faculty members.

The committee meets monthly, with participants also given the opportunity to contribute to some of PACHRED’s six working groups focused on anti-ableism and mental health, anti-racism, decolonization, employment equity, sexual violence prevention, and 2SLGBTQ++.

Faculty Chair Dolana Mogadime, who works alongside Staff Co-Chair Trecia McLennon and Student Co-Chair Sandra Kroeker, said the diverse focus of the working groups helps to keep the entire committee informed on issues of human rights, equity and decolonization in all areas of the University and in the community.

“Having that pulse on campus concerns and relaying them to the President is part of the advisory role that is important to the committee,” she said. “By advising the President on concerns raised by the membership and the Brock community, we are fulfilling an important component of our mandate.”

To further encourage open dialogue, committee meetings and working groups are open to everyone, which Mogadime said helps the group to address challenges and to continue to work for positive change.

“In reviewing the PACHRED annual report, readers can see there are challenges that are identified, and that equity, diversity and inclusion is on a continuum,” she said. “There is a need for continued participation from members across the University who believe that coalition building can bring about positive change.”With the academic year now well underway, the work of Brock’s President’s Advisory Committee for Human Rights, Equity and Decolonization (PACHRED) has also resumed.

Formed in 2018 to advise on issues facing equity-seeking communities, PACHRED represents constituents across the University, including students, staff and faculty members.

The committee meets monthly, with participants also given the opportunity to contribute to some of PACHRED’s six working groups focused on anti-ableism and mental health, anti-racism, decolonization, employment equity, sexual violence prevention, and 2SLGBTQ++.

Faculty Chair Dolana Mogadime, who works alongside Staff Co-Chair Trecia McLennon and Student Co-Chair Sandra Kroeker, said the diverse focus of the working groups helps to keep the entire committee informed on issues of human rights, equity and decolonization in all areas of the University and in the community.

“Having that pulse on campus concerns and relaying them to the President is part of the advisory role that is important to the committee,” she said. “By advising the President on concerns raised by the membership and the Brock community, we are fulfilling an important component of our mandate.”

To further encourage open dialogue, committee meetings and working groups are open to everyone, which Mogadime said helps the group to address challenges and to continue to work for positive change.

“In reviewing the PACHRED annual report, readers can see there are challenges that are identified, and that equity, diversity and inclusion is on a continuum,” she said. “There is a need for continued participation from members across the University who believe that coalition building can bring about positive change.”