A new academic year brings with it the return of a Brock committee focused on human rights, equity and decolonization.

A meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Sankey Chamber will mark the resumption of activities for the President’s Advisory Committee for Human Rights, Equity and Decolonization (PACHRED) and its mandate to advise on issues facing equity-seeking communities across the University.

Along with monthly meetings, which are open to everyone, PACHRED also hosts working groups focused on a variety of topics, including anti-ableism and mental health, anti-racism, decolonization, employment equity, sexual violence prevention, and 2SLGBTQ+ communities.

Staff Co-chair Andrew Bassingthwaighte said that PACHRED has sought to bring about positive change at the University since its establishment in 2018, including revisions to the sexual assault and harassment policy, the hiring of a group of Black faculty members and the implementation of an Associate Vice-President, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

“We have made regular recommendations and are now ready to take an even more proactive response to human rights-related issues within the Brock community,” he said.

With six meetings of the entire committee as well as various subcommittee meetings taking place, Bassingthwaighte is hopeful all members of the Brock community and beyond will consider attending.

“We have so many wonderful voices to hear from at Brock, and we want to use our time together as a way to generate open discussion around issues and concerns on campus as well as providing education and training around various issues,” he said.

For more information on the committee, email pachred@brocku.ca