The University’s Community Review Board (CRB) has started the 2025-26 academic year with new leadership.

Lindsey Oliver, a third-year law student in the College of Law, has been elected as chair and Stefanie Pilkay, associate professor in the School of Education, has been elected as vice chair.

Participating in Meaningful Policy Review and Reform

Oliver served as a student attorney in the College of Law’s Criminal Defense Clinic last year and is interning at the Federal Public Defender’s Office this academic year. She joined the CRB in the spring of 2024 and served as vice chair last year.

“The CRB has offered me, as a student, the opportunity to participate directly in meaningful policy review and reform that impacts not only myself, but also my fellow students,” Oliver says.

She says the CRB plays an important role on campus. “By proactively working to shape policies and procedures to reflect fairness, respect and transparency, the board helps to prevent incidents before they ever occur,” Oliver says. “And when issues do arise, the CRB ensures that every voice is heard through a process of truly impartial review.”

The CRB is made up of diverse perspectives and will be actively seeking input from the campus community this year. “Input is essential in guiding our recommendations to craft the most effective policy for everyone,” Oliver says.

The board’s fall forum will be held this semester with Department of Public Safety Chief Mike Bunker. Details will be forthcoming.

History of the CRB

The CRB was created following an independent review of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) by former Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch in 2020-21. It is responsible for:

• reviewing appeals of civilian complaints regarding DPS officer conduct;
• reviewing and commenting on prospective new DPS policies, procedures and trainings;
• reviewing key community-facing functions of DPS; and
• issuing to the University community a public annual report of findings and recommendations.

CRB Membership

In addition to Oliver and Pilkay, the CRB’s membership includes:

• Adam Hepburn, associate vice president, strategic initiatives and government engagement, Office of the Vice Chancellor
• Benjamin Katz, graduate student, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
• Rosemary Martin ’26, undergraduate student, College of Arts and Sciences
• Christina Papaleo, learning and development specialist, Office of People and Culture
• Cynthia Pope, associate teaching professor, College of Arts and Sciences
• Brandon Tamez ’27, undergraduate student, College of Arts and Sciences
• Tanya Williamson, assistant vice president, Office of People and Culture
• Staff member, TBD

The CRB also has the support of consultants to advise on its work. Bethaida “Bea” González, former vice president for community engagement, special assistant to the chancellor and dean of University College, is senior advisor to the CRB.  Melvin “Tony” Perez, former chief of public safety for Monroe Community College, serves as its expert law enforcement consultant. Alyssa Campbell, associate general counsel in the University’s Office of University Counsel, serves as legal advisor.

For more information, visit the CRB webpage or contact the CRB directly by email at CRB@syr.edu.