York University’s President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri released a video online, outlining what actions the university has taken to enhance campus safety and security since the March 6 Student Centre shooting.
The university has already posted dedicated security staff at the Student Centre, and Gary Brewer, vp administration and finance, is in talks with the Student Centre about installing security cameras in the area to enhance security.
Shoukri will be meeting with the Toronto Police on March 18 to conduct a full debrief of the incident. Following this, York and Toronto Police will be making joint recommendations to address outstanding campus safety issues.
In the video, Shoukri also said the university is expanding its door access control system. Each building will be locked after certain hours, and a key card will be required for access.
Other initiatives include York’s bystander intervention program, currently in development, which will encourage community members to step in when they see someone in an unsafe situation.
Shoukri also informed students of a strategic partnership between York and the Toronto Police, which was established about six ago, with the formation of a community response team dedicated to York.
The university has increased security personnel by “nearly a third,” said Shoukri, with more staff being hired on in the next six months.
“We are currently reviewing our scheduling structure to enhance our security officials’ presence on campus during key times of the day,” he added.
Shoukri also urged members of the community to download York’s mobile safety app. The app’s push notification function is now operational, and it has already been downloaded by 10,000 people. The app, said Shoukri, will allow York to issue urgent messages quickly and efficiently.
Towards the end, Shoukri pointed to York’s population of nearly 60,000. “The size of a small city,” he said.
“Our campuses are not contained spaces with limited access points. They’re open and public and part of the larger community,” he continued. “This means that our campuses are places where academic freedom can thrive , places where all people safe to live, learn, teach, and work. This is the hallmark of any university. We at York have never shied away from taking a leadership role in addressing matters of safety and security.”
Tamara Khandaker
Editor-in-Chief
