Ryerson Board of Governors Approves Standing Strong (Mash Koh Wee Kah Pooh Win) Task Force Recommendations

Toronto, ON - August 26, 2021: Earlier today, the Standing Strong (Mash Koh Wee Kah Pooh Win) Task Force’s final report was presented to Ryerson University’s Board of Governors. The Board approved a motion to accept all 22 recommendations including the recommendation to rename the university.

“This is an important day for our university and all of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Mohamed Lachemi. “The Task Force report provides clear recommendations on how the university can move forward and write the next chapter in our history.”

The work of the Standing Strong (Mash Koh Wee Kah Pooh Win) Task Force was guided by co-chairs Elder Joanne Dallaire and Professor Catherine Ellis. The Task Force’s 22 recommendations include renaming the institution, sharing materials to recognize the legacy of Egerton Ryerson, and providing more opportunities to learn about Indigenous history and Indigenous and colonial relations.

The report provides a full picture of the past and present commemoration of Egerton Ryerson, yet the recommendations are not based on either vilification or vindication of the individual. The Task Force recommendations were heavily informed by the participation of over 11,000 Ryerson community members and the membership’s own extensive learning and unlearning.The Task Force survey generated 22,860 individual question responses, over 250 people participated in community conversations and more than 250 people emailed the Task Force directly.

“I want to thank all of the members of the Task Force who worked very hard over the past 10 months, often under difficult and challenging circumstances to get to where we are today. I  encourage all of our community members to read the report to learn more about where we have come from, where we are now, and how this report and its recommendations will guide us into a more inclusive future,” said Lachemi.

One of the report recommendations is for the university to develop an action plan by January 31, 2022, to address and implement the Task Force’s recommendations. The University is committed to honouring that recommendation and to ensuring that the recommendations are carried out in an equitable, transparent, inclusive and timely manner.

More information on how the university will be responding to the report, implementing its recommendations, and starting the process for a name change can be found at ryerson.ca/next-chapter

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