Jacqueline Perlin
Recruitment Manager
After the release of the METRAC safety audit, York adopted the recommendation to create a Community Safety Council, and, as of Nov. 10, a new head has been appointed.
Patricia Bradshaw, associate professor of organizational behaviour
and industrial studies at York’s Schulich School of Business, will report to York president Mamdouh Shoukri about safety issues concerning members of the York community, including concerns affecting women and trans people.
“I am hoping I can facilitate interesting and generative dialogue and discussion on this issue that can bring multiple points of view and multiple constituents together,” said Bradshaw.
Sexual Assault Survivors Support Line (SASSL) at York, however,
has some concerns with the new appointment.
Nada Khan, SASSL research coordinator, said she did not expect the university to appoint the head of the council without consulting SASSL first, and felt Bradshaw isn’t the right candidate for the job.
“This is definitely not a positive thing,” said Khan. “If a person does not understand the differences in safety, then how is it a safety council?”
When asked if she had a background in safety, Bradshaw said she has no specific expertise in safety.
“If I were the expert on safety, I would be trying to shape the discussion,”
said Bradshaw. “Instead of that, I just get the input from the community.”
Keith Marnoch, associate director of media relations at York, said Bradshaw is still a good choice for the position.
“A lot of what she will bring to the table revolves around her expertise in the administrational setup and management,” he said. “Much of what needs to be accomplished is getting everyone’s voice together and making sure that concerns from across the university are looked after and that there is a system in place that will address those concerns.”
Bradshaw said she is excited about her new position, but that she is unsure of how the council’s proceedings will unfold since it is both a new council and a new position.
The new Community Safety Council is an advisory body with a focus on safety outcomes, practices and policies.
