Standing Strong Task Force fulfils mandate with final report
Community perspectives, feedback and ideas have shaped the task force recommendations for the future of the university.
On behalf of the Standing Strong (Mash Koh Wee Kah Pooh Win) Task Force, we are honoured to have fulfilled our mandate with the submission of our report and recommendations.
The Board of Governors approved a motion to accept all 22 of the recommendations we presented, including the recommendation to rename the University.
President Lachemi established the Standing Strong Task Force in November 2020 to develop principles to guide commemoration at the university and to respond to the history and legacy of Egerton Ryerson within the context of the university’s values.
Since December 2020, the members of the Task Force have learned and unlearned from each other and our community. We have tested ideas, explored divergent perspectives and challenged assumptions.
To reach our recommendations, we sought guidance and knowledge. We learned from and worked with scholars, Elders, historians, Traditional Knowledge Keepers, archivists and various subject-matter experts. We heard from over 11,000 students, faculty, staff, alumni and others about both Egerton Ryerson’s legacy and how they felt commemoration should be guided at the university.
Thank you to the many community members who participated in our process through our survey, community conversations, emails, social media, open letters and media publications. Along with our extensive research, your perspectives, feedback and ideas have shaped our recommendations for the future of the university.
Our recommendations reflect the kind of ancestors that we wish to become. They embody our university’s commitment to being unapologetically bold, intentionally diverse and inclusive, dedicated to excellence, respectfully collaborative and a champion of sustainability.
While much work remains to be done, we are confident and excited about the future of the university and the strength of our community. Our hope is that everyone who reads our report finds joy in learning, sees themselves represented and joins us in optimism for our university’s next chapter.
Catherine Ellis and Joanne Dallaire
Task Force co-Chairs