Anonymous survey invites campus community to share thoughts and experiences with Laurier’s Special Constable Service

March 11, 2021

Wilfrid Laurier University’s pursuit of a welcoming and just campus community is founded on the values of Indigeneity and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. It is an effort that is inclusive of the unique perspectives and experiences of students, staff and faculty.

When Laurier launched its Indigeneity and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan last fall, the university announced that it would be conducting an independent external review of our multi-campus Special Constable Service. The goal is to improve the way in which Laurier’s Special Constable Service interacts with Black, Indigenous and racialized members of the Laurier community.

As announced on Jan. 25, that review is underway. Meetings and focus groups have been scheduled to allow the three independent external reviewers to hear directly from key stakeholders. As an additional opportunity for Laurier community members to contribute to the review, an anonymous university-wide survey has been launched.

“I hope that Laurier students, staff and faculty will make use of this confidential opportunity to share perceptions and experiences with Laurier’s Special Constable Service,” said Ivan Joseph, vice-president: Student Affairs. “The voices of respondents will strengthen the review process and add to the university’s understanding of the different perspectives on campus.”

The anonymous Special Constable Service Review survey will be active until March 22 at noon.

Participants can choose to provide their contact information to be entered into a draw to win one of three $100 gift cards to the Laurier Bookstore / Stedman Community Bookstore. Information associated with the survey will not be related to survey responses to ensure anonymity.

The information shared with the reviewers will shape findings and inform recommendations related to organizational structure, staffing, training, accountability and oversight. The reviewers will submit their report to the university in early spring 2021. The findings and recommendations will be made public on Laurier’s website.

Laurier community members who would like a different opportunity to present feedback to the external reviewers can email scsreview@wlu.ca.