On December 28th, 2019, York Security Services conducted a sweep of Kaneff Tower. At the time, a number of graduate students were working in their assigned study carrells in the CERLAC area on the 8th floor of the building. The students were approached aggressively by security officers in a way that appeared racially motivated. Security called Toronto Police to the building; thankfully, no arrests were made and no students were physically harmed. The Provost and the Vice-President Research and Innovation have been involved in the ensuing discussions around this incident, and an external investigator is now examining the actions of the security officers.
Graduate students are an integral and valued part of CERLAC's research community and we affirm their right to use their work spaces at CERLAC undisturbed, as well as the right of everyone associated with CERLAC to share our common spaces in peace. We are outraged by the way CERLAC students were treated by security. We are determined to work towards creating a space where all of us can be safe and feel valued. A town hall meeting will be held on February 25 at 5pm to further discuss this incident, and all CERLAC affiliates are invited to attend. In the meantime, please feel free to share any questions or concerns with Alan Durston (CERLAC Director), Danielle Robinson (CERLAC Associate Director), or Camila Bonifaz (CERLAC
Coordinator).
Executive Committee
Centre for Research on Latin America and the Caribbean
York University