York University (L)Activists Submitted Petition and Accommodation Requests to York Administration

Image Description: A small child beams at the camera from the bottom left corner. Behind them a woman can be seen breastfeeding. On the Right is a large banner that reads “Lactation Accommodation is a Human Right”

On March 29, 2018, an ad hoc group of York University students, faculty, and staff called the (L)Activists held a rally and lactation-in at Vari Hall. This was followed by a march to President Rhonda Lenton’s office to present a petition with over 650 signatories urging the University administration to provide reasonable lactation accommodations. This action followed an ongoing refusal by York University to respond to concerns by students, faculty, and staff that there is not adequate space for pumping and breastfeeding at any of the York University campuses. Most recently, this action was prompted by the lack of a response from the York University Bargaining Team in negotiations with CUPE 3903 on March 20, 2018. When the CUPE 3903 Bargaining Team asked York to provide accommodations that would be accessible to all members, this request was summarily ignored.

At the rally and lactation-in, attendees told stories about their personal experiences of attempting to receive family-status accommodations from York University. They painted a picture of an institution that has continually ignored its responsibility under the Ontario Human Rights Code. Noted guests included Professor Michele McIntosh of the Breastfeeding Friendly Campus Initiative and Dr. Jack Newman, who is a world-renowned breastfeeding specialist.

Provost Philipps received the (L)Activists petition which requests that York open at least one lactation lounge at each of the York University campuses that is accessible to all students, staff, faculty, and administration who are in need of accommodation. The petition specifies that each of the lactation lounges should adhere to the following standards of accommodation:

1. A clean, quiet, and private (to those in need of accommodations) space that locks in order to breastfeed and/or pump. The space must have comfortable seating, and access to a power outlet.
2. A space that is accessible at any hour in which a class may be held as well as an hour before and after those times. This space should also be accessible on the weekends.
3. Access to a clean, dedicated refrigerator for storage of milk.
4. A storage space for individual pumping equipment.
5. Access to a designated sink in which to clean pumping equipment.

During the march to the Office of the President, the (L)Activists were able to make it to the 10^th floor of Kaneff and eventually put a copy of the petition on President Lenton’s front desk. Provost Philipps returned to the group and committed that York will make meaningful reform on this matter. The (L)Activists have requested a response to their requests and a timeline for completion by April 17, 2018.

Image Description: In the foreground is the blank back of a banner hung between two strollers. Behind it is a circle of predominantly women.

from lactation « WordPress.com Tag Feed https://ift.tt/2qeyK48
article sponsered by Northern Michigan certified lactation consulting and Mother Hubbards Country Cupboard