President’s Advisory Committee on Human Rights, Equity, and Decolonization

Call for Nominations: Now Accepting Applications!

Apply Here

Mission Statement

President’s Advisory Committee on Human Rights, Equity, and Decolonization (PACHRED) works to advance equity, inclusion, and decolonization at Brock University. Guided by the recommendations of the Human Rights Task Force, and topical priorities set by the group each year, we collaborate with students, staff, faculty, and community members to challenge systemic barriers, respond to emerging human rights issues, and foster a campus where all members can thrive. Our work is intersectional, decolonial, and community-driven, grounded in the belief that there is no single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives (Lorde, 1982).

History of PACHRED

PACHRED was formed in 2018 in response to the recommendations of the Human Rights Task Force. PACHRED is tasked with advising the President on the recommendations of the Task Force’s final report (PDF) and emerging and ongoing issues relating to human rights, equity, and decolonization.

Human Rights Taskforce

PACHRED in 2025 – 2026

In 2025–2026, PACHRED’s work will be focused on:

    • Equity for International Students – Addressing immigration/legal precarity, work exploitation, and access to culturally responsive services.
    • Responding to Residential School Denialism – Supporting Indigenous-led truth-telling, education, and campus visibility initiatives. 
    • Solidarity for Palestine – Hosting events and collaborations that foreground anti-colonial perspectives, solidarity efforts, and critical dialogue on the genocide in Gaza.
    • Higher Education Funding Crisis – Advocating for sustainable funding models that protect equity, diversity, and inclusion commitments at Brock.

Our Executive Team:

1759840180552

Andrew Bassingthwaighte

Staff Co-Chair

Andrew Bassingthwaighte is the Manager of Career and Curriculum Development at Brock University and a PhD candidate in Child and Youth Studies. His work centers on empowerment, engagement, and inclusion.

images

Margot Francis

Faculty Co-Chair

Margot Francis is a Professor in Women’s and Gender Studies whose research explores Indigenous resurgence, feminist and anti-racist activism, and queer and intersectional approaches to sexualities.

Nadia Ganesh Headshot

Nadia Ganesh

Student Co-Chair

Nadia Ganesh is a Vanier Scholar and PhD student within the Applied Health Sciences. She is also a board member of Carousel Players and Mirror Theatre.

PACHRED’s work is carried out by specialized working groups:

Working Groups

Interested in attending a PACHRED event? Check out our ExperienceBU page.

2025-2026 PACHRED Meeting Dates

DATETIMEAGENDA & MINUTES
23 September 202511:00am – 1:00pm2025-26 September Agenda
28 October 202511:00am – 1:00pmMeeting cancelled
25 November 202511:00am – 1:00pmMeeting cancelled
20 January 202511:00am – 1:00pm2025-26 January Agenda
17 March 202511:00am- 1:00pm
7 April 202511:00am- 1:00pm

Archives

Meeting Materials Archive

DATETIMEAGENDA & MINUTES
18 March 202511:00am – 1:00pm2024-25 March Agenda
25 February 202511:00am – 1:00pm2024-25 February Agenda
21 January 202511:00am – 1:00pm2024-25 January Agenda
22 October 202411:00am – 1:00pm2024-25 October Agenda
24 September 202411:00am- 1:00pm2024-25 September Agenda
September 202311:00am- 1:00pm2023-24 September Agenda
14 February 202311:00am - 1:00pm2022-23 February Minutes
6 December 202211:00am - 1:00pm2022-23 December Minutes
15 November 202211:00am - 1:00pm2022-23 November Minutes
18 October 202211:00am - 1:00pm2022-23 October Minutes
2 December 202111:00am - 1:00pm2021-22 December Minutes
15 November 202111:00am - 1:00pm2021-22 November Minutes
5 October 202111:00am - 1:00pm2021-22 October Minutes
10 February 202111:00am - 1:00pm2020-21 February Minutes
4 December 202011:00am - 1:00pm2020-21 December Minutes
6 October 202011:00am - 1:00pm2020-21 October Minutes
3 December 201911:00am - 1:00pm2019-20 December Minutes
29 October 201911:00am - 1:00pm2019-20 October Minutes
PACHRED Membership (PDF)
Learn About the Working Groups (PDF)
PACHRED Terms of Reference (PDF)
Call for Nominations

Other Reports & Documents

Please note

PACHRED is an Advisory Committee to the President, but its views and opinions are its own and may not reflect the views or positions of the Office of the President. The involvement of PACHRED does not indicate endorsement of the event or communications by the President.