York’s Community Safety Council is working to address safety concerns and issues plaguing the university after the March 6 shooting incident.
The council—made up of faculty, student representatives, and a representative from Toronto Police Services—met on March 18, to discuss issues they encountered after the shooting took place at York.
During the meeting, several members brought up the needs for better communication, information on different statuses the university could be under in emergency situations (e.g. “lockdown,” “shelter in place”), and for increased security during the night.
John Amanatides, chair of the Community Safety Council, says the meeting helped clarify what the university did wrong and how they can improve.
“I think it’s good to hear what happened on that day and for the university to hear how faculty members didn’t receive timely information,” says Amanatides.
“I think [this meeting] underscored to the administration that their communication was inadequate and they realize it.”
Recommendations brought forward by the members included fostering a culture of safety, hosting a symposium on sexual assault prevention and awareness, and introducing a training policy for student leaders on diversity and inclusion.
Although this is the last general community safety council meeting of the year, all the recommendations from the meeting will be passed onto York’s President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri to be further discussed and implemented.
Victoria Alarcon
Assistant News Editor
