Trecia McLennon, Brock’s Director of EDI Culture and Education in Human Resources, has been elected staff Vice-Chair of the President’s Advisory Committee on Human Rights, Equity and Decolonization (PACHRED).

McLennon brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role, having previously worked as Intercultural Communications Co-ordinator in Brock’s Office of Human Rights and Equity, and currently serving as elected staff representative to Brock’s Board of Trustees and Chair of the City of St. Catharines’ advisory committee for equity and inclusion.

She is also a former assistant professor in the School of International Studies at the University of Ulsan in South Korea and a former instructor of Global Management Studies at Toronto Metropolitan University.

“PACHRED’s work is incredibly important and its advice is invaluable,” says Brock’s Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Lynn Wells. “Trecia’s experience and expertise will be an excellent addition to the committee’s executive team as it continues to help the institution advance its goal of fostering a culture of inclusivity, accessibility, reconciliation and decolonization.”

“PACHRED’s members include students, staff and faculty members who are extremely committed to bettering the Brock community,” says McLennon, who currently serves on the committee as a staff representative. “I’m very much looking forward to joining the committee’s executive and continuing to work toward a more inclusive, equitable institution.”

Last month, McLennon helped co-ordinate Brock’s response to a number of acts of hate committed in the Niagara region, working with Human Rights and Equity to offer virtual trauma response, counselling and other supports to the campus community.

In May, McLennon represented Brock at the first Inter-Institutional Forum of the Scarborough National Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education.

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