Members of the University community are invited to engage with the Community Review Board (CRB) and its work through several opportunities this spring by attending its open forum or applying to become a CRB member.
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 the following:
During their annual spring open forum on Tuesday, April 2, from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Falk College, White Hall, room 335, or online via Zoom, members of the CRB will share the work being completed by the board based on their responsibilities listed above. Additionally, the forum will serve as a listening session where members of the campus community can share about their experiences or ask thoughtful questions related to DPS and policing on campus.
For those attending in person, Communications Access Realtime Translation (CART) will be provided. To request additional accommodations, please contact crb@syr.edu.
CRB membership is on a rotating schedule. Currently, the board is seeking to fill four seats with one undergraduate student, one graduate student, a staff member and an administrator.
For those interested in being considered, please complete the application and submit it to the specific individual designated for your constituent group:
Are you considering becoming a member of the CRB? Wondering why you should apply for membership? SU News asked that question of La’Kesa Allen, staff member representative for the CRB and coordinator in the Community Standards Office, Linda Baguma, undergraduate student representative on the CRB and student in the College of Arts and Sciences and Avva Boroujerdi, also an undergraduate representative and student in the Whitman School of Management. The representatives say they wanted to join the CRB to engage collaboratively with other University members and help make a difference. Baguma and Boroujerdi also wanted to represent student voices and bring those insights to these important issues/conversations.
Read more about their experiences and why they think you, too, should join the CRB:
La’Kesa Allen
Allen: While my journey thus far has been positive, I recognize that there is still much to learn and strive for.
Baguma: If I can describe my experience in one word, it would be learning. I have been learning about the processes of appeals, reviewing and commenting on DPS policies, procedures and training that affect our entire community. I believe understanding these things and applying them to other initiatives that would contribute to bettering our community has allowed me to better understand the needs of our community and what we can improve and the things that we are doing a tremendous job on.
Boroujerdi: My experience on the CRB has already been rewarding. I have gained valuable insights into the inner workings of DPS policies and procedures and am aware of the system of checks and balances that is in place currently with the help of the CRB. I have already been able to vote on a proposed policy change and a newly created operating procedure.
Allen: I find fulfillment in collaborating with a diverse group of University community members and delving deeper into understanding DPS procedures.
Linda Baguma
Baguma: The group dynamic. The way that we can effectively share a common goal and have different perspectives on executing those goals but yet work in a way where we are all able to understand each other and give each other spaces to be heard is incredible. This allows us to effectively execute the needs of our community.
Boroujerdi: I find satisfaction in knowing that, by being on the CRB, I play a role in upholding safety and integrity on our campus. Additionally, I have been introduced to incredible colleagues, who are compassionate, patient and dedicated. I enjoy actively listening and participating in our meetings and learn a lot from our more experienced members.
Allen: Serving on the CRB is an excellent chance for any member of the campus community—be it faculty, staff or student—to actively engage within the University community. It also serves as an opportunity to contribute to the enhancement of public safety initiatives.
Baguma: Others should consider getting involved with the CRB because it offers a unique opportunity to actively participate in shaping community safety policies and procedures. By joining the CRB, individuals can contribute to bridging the gap between administrators and students, ensuring that diverse voices and perspectives are heard and considered in decision-making processes.
Avva Boroujerdi
Boroujerdi: I strongly encourage anyone with any internal connection to advocacy and justice to consider becoming involved with the CRB. This is such a rare, yet extremely insightful, opportunity to directly contribute to a safer and fairer campus for all. The experience not only allows you to make a real impact but also equips you with knowledge and critical thinking skills in regard to policy review processes. I would not have had any experience with that if it was not for the CRB.
For more information, visit the CRB webpage or contact the CRB directly by email at CRB@syr.edu.
