Content warning: mentions of suicidal ideation, mental health crises, and police brutality
Although it is suggested that Campus Police are critical in achieving a safe learning environment, the momentous civil rights events of 2020 and prior misbehaviour of the Campus Police call for a serious reconsideration of what “safe” means for all students. Both the Campus Police and Victoria College Security organizations primarily investigate minor incidents such as theft; however, the University of Toronto Campus Police handle a broader scale of scenarios. Now more than ever, students can benefit from learning more about the powers and roles of police on campus—and what needs to be changed.
What are the basic roles of the Campus Police?
The campus police at UofT have faced ongoing criticism throughout their century-long establishment. The organization has experienced substantial changes in their operations, including a shift from what is described as traditional policing to a more community-based approach. The team is divided into two groups: the Special Constables and Building Patrol officers. The Special Constables are appointed by the Province of Ontario and have the authority to arrest individuals for criminal offences; the Building Patrol team consists of uniformed personnel hired to provide safety on campus.
However, the changes that the organization has seen do not protect against misbehaviour on the part of the officers. Although one of their service objectives focuses on “developing non-discriminatory programs,” many student leaders continue to criticize the institution for their conduct.
Incidents of Misconduct
Just under a year ago, the critical boundary between the role of mental health services and the role of campus police services was violated at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM). The situation developed after a student was recommended to seek help from a university psychiatrist. After arriving at the Health and Counselling Centre (HCC), the student, accompanied by her friend, were informed that a mental health nurse was not present. Knowing the severity of her case, the staff at the HCC soon allowed her to see a regular nurse.
Following the consultation with the nurse on site, the students found themselves explaining their situation to two Special Constables. The student in need of care informed the others that she had plans to end her life at a specific location. Then, the situation took an unexpected turn: since the student’s plan pointed towards a specified place, campus police decided to arrest her regardless of her distress.
Observations from the UofT community have led Campus Police to come under scrutiny for their actions. Repeated questions such as, “Why are the police playing a role in a student’s mental health?” and “Why are the campus police making a decision without the input of healthcare professionals?” have been asked.
Unfortunately, this scenario is not surprising to the many students who have witnessed similar experiences. Another situation of wrongful behaviour occurred three years ago during a loud house party. After two assistant deans reported their concerns to the Campus Police, the officers arrived and ridiculed Bardia Monavari, the Co-Head of Trinity College at the time, as the assistant deans stood by and watched the police push him to the ground.
In this situation, the two deans and the officers involved all played a role. Before reporting to the Campus Police, the administrators framed Monavari as the individual who had caused the trouble. Since the officers on duty trusted the two assistant deans, they decided to unprofessionally address Monavari. Their behaviour was polarizing and unacceptable.
Moreover, the student community cannot forget the lack of action among Campus Police during a 2016 “Rally for Free Speech” at Sidney Smith Hall. Due to the presence of violence and tension among the attendees, student-led organizations believed that the Campus Police should have done more to protect students. Their inaction led to the alleged assault of many transgender and non-binary students.
After the UofT Student Union (UTSU) filed a complaint regarding the incident, a report was published by the Faculty of Law at UofT. The Assistant Dean of the J.D. Program, Alexis Archbold, did not address the systemic and structural barriers surrounding her recommendations; instead, she stated that students needed to educate themselves more on the roles of Campus Police and facilitate an open dialogue to spread awareness.
Although education and safety are important for students, neither components will solve the structural discrimination that people of colour experience. Additionally, educating students and telling them to speak up does not rectify the behaviour of the Campus Police or hold them accountable.
Looking at the Future of Policing on Campus
In response to the recent Black Lives Matter protests across the globe, the UTSU is fighting for more anti-racism and equity measures at UofT. During the Board of Directors meeting on June 24, the Vice-President of Equity, Alexandra McLean, announced that the student union will be collecting research on Campus Police presence on campus. The UTSU also addressed their concerns in a Facebook post with the UofT Black Students Association by discussing police brutality and the issue of anti-Black racism. They also urged the University to re-evaluate Campus Police policies in order to ensure that students are treated equally.
Other organizations have expressed their support and followed UTSU’s actions. The OISE Student Collective posted their call for defunding the Campus Police on Facebook. This campaign was originally prompted in November 2019, following the incident involving the student in distress at UTM. Through advocacy regarding anti-Black racism and mental health, students must become more aware of and think critically about the roles and responsibilities of the Campus Police. Although many perceive that police brutality exists at the hands of local police and RCMP, these forms of discrimination are perpetuated throughout the education system. In becoming aware of the Campus Police and their actions, students can look out for one another and identify the inequities embedded within the multiplicity of institutions on campus. If the wrongdoings of a situation are observed earlier rather than later, students can gather together and take action to achieve justice within a historically prejudiced organization.
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