We always see them driving about campus, with their cars that say “Special Constable.” But what the heck is a Constable and what makes them Special? Join Aviral & Layla as they delve into the history, changes, and intentions of Campus Safety at UofT. This is part 1 of a 2 part series and we encourage you to tune into part 2 in which Aynur interviews a student who had a recent and memorable experience with Campus Safety. 

Note: This episode was originally recorded November 2021 and may contain information that is not up to date. We encourage you to reach out to us if you know of any recent developments. Stay safe and always do your own research! 

Sources referenced:

https://thevarsity.ca/2021/08/11/u-of-t-campus-police-rebrands-as-campus-safety-special-constable-service/

https://thestrand.ca/the-name-game

https://www.huffpost.com/archive/ca/entry/ontario-universities-defund-campus-police_ca_5fa027a7c5b6b6b60e9242c3

https://www.nationalobserver.com/2021/03/17/investigations/anatomy-campus-mental-health-crisis

https://www.campussafety.utoronto.ca/about

https://www.facebook.com/SIVxUofT/

https://thevarsity.ca/2019/02/03/silence-is-violence-releases-years-long-report-on-sexual-violence-at-u-of-t/

https://www.studentassociation.ca/safewalk/

TW: sexual assault and abuse. 

Listen in as our host, Aynur, explains the culture of abuse within the Faculty of Music. Aynur describes open letters written by students and staff exposing sexual assault and racism within the Faculty. She also reviews the Faculty’s response and recent initiatives. In an interview with Ness Wong, the President of the Faculty of Music’s Undergraduate Association (FMUA), Aynur gets answers to questions regarding the process of representing and responding to the allegations. The episode concludes with further implications for the Faculty of Music, and remaining calls for action.

Visit the FMUA’s website to read their open letter and responses: https://www.fmua.ca/

Resources & Support:

TravelSmart (open dusk to dawn, 7 days a week) 416-978-7233 

Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre 416-978-2266 

UTSU Health & Wellness Bursary (https://www.utsu.ca/financial-assistance/) 

Good2Talk Student Helpline (1-866-925-5454) 

Assaulted Women’s Helpline (416-863-0511) 

Toronto Rape Crisis Centre (416-597-8808)

Join co-hosts Layla and Aviral as they delve into the struggles of being back on campus and transitioning to in-person classes. This episode includes interviews with Shreya Vohra and Sanskriti Maheshwari, the President and Vice-President of the Indian Student Society of UofT, in which they discuss talk the stress placed on Indian students trying to come back to campus for in-person classes. They also chat with Dr. Bill Ju about the online learning experience from the perspective of teaching staff and faculty and how the pandemic has changed how faculty approach accessibility and flexibility. Lastly, Layla talks to Learning Strategist, Reggie, Oey, about how accessibility needs can change between in-person and online learning.

Follow us on social media @equity.uclit and reach out to us about episode ideas, stories you have to share, and feedback through our email [email protected].

Indian Students Society's Open Letter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_GITNqPSDIlRKXVKgsUdZYchjohl7ibN/view
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