Pauline Streete (Image Credit: CFJC News)

By Sydney Chisholm

TRU

Thompson Rivers University opens office dedicated to diversity and inclusion

Sep 22, 2023 | 5:14 PM

KAMLOOPS – For the first time on campus, Thompson Rivers University has an office dedicated to equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI) and anti-racism.

In the wake of allegations of sexual and racial harassment by two senior administrators, the school has hired Pauline Streete to head up the new EDI office, as executive director.

Streete is no stranger to EDI in post-secondary schools. Before coming to TRU, she filled a similar role for the University of Regina.

She says TRU has been a part of EDI initiatives in the past but the new department will be more effective.

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“I think having the office in place right now, it’s a way to pull all of those initiatives, activities together somewhat under one umbrella,” Streete said. “It’s awareness of what’s occurring so that there can be utilization of what is a good practice or a best practice.”

TRU student Samikshya Paudel believes the new office will ensure accountability for both teachers and staff when it comes to diversity issues.

“There are all sorts of oppression happening around the world, for sure. That’s like, that’s a fact now. When you have an office that’s actively working against all those forms of oppression and when you face a certain kind of a challenge, you know where to go,” Paudel said. “To actually know that there is a dedicated committee that’s going to solve the problems that you face,”

In the wake of protests against sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) teachings in BC public schools, Streete believes having an office of this kind is even more important.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to create knowledge and awareness about — people are people and to create awareness of the impact that certain behaviours have on individuals,” she said. “They don’t need to be visible like me, for instance, in order to be diverse.”