Brock University has added two new human rights professionals whose experience includes advancing equity and inclusion in Canadian post-secondary settings.

Milé Komlen and Michelle Poirier have been brought on board to provide support and oversight to Brock’s Office of Human Rights and Equity, as the University moves to promote a campus culture that is welcoming and inclusive.

Komlen, who was director of human rights and equity for eight years at McMaster University, will help redevelop policies to ensure Brock is fulfilling its obligations in human rights and equity. In this acting capacity, he will provide guidance and leadership to the office as the University recruits for a permanent replacement to the senior advisor role, as well as an additional human rights and equity advisor.

Previously a conflict resolution and equity specialist at McMaster, Poirier will conduct intake of new complaints and assume management of the existing caseload. She brings a wealth of conflict management expertise to the role.

“Brock has demonstrated a solid commitment to building an inclusive community and already has a very experienced set of hands overseeing the Human Rights and Equity Office,” Komlen said. “With so much passion and commitment here, Brock is poised to become a true leader in promoting a more respectful culture of inclusion.”

Together with Chris Lytle, AODA Co-ordinator, and Allison Cadwallader, Sexual Violence Response and Education Co-ordinator, the newly invigorated Office of Human Rights and Equity oversees the University’s human rights policies and continues to advise President Gervan Fearon on implementing recommendations from the recently released report of the Human Rights Task Force.