Three-time University of Windsor alumna Marium Tolson-Murtty holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies, a Bachelor of Education, a Master of Education and is currently pursuing a PhD in the Faculty of Education. (FILE/University of Windsor)
By John-Paul Bonadonna
For Marium Tolson-Murtty, creating inclusive environments has never been confined to a job description.
Long before becoming director of the Office of Human Rights, Conflict Resolution and Mediation (OHRCRM), equity shaped her work across campus — whether supporting students, recruiting future Lancers, coordinating professional development programs or helping advance institutional anti-racism initiatives.
Today, that commitment continues in a role that combines decades of University of Windsor experience with a mandate focused on helping build a respectful, equitable and welcoming campus community.
“We cannot grow as an institution and we cannot grow as people if we’re not willing to learn, listen to different points of view and take people’s lived experiences into consideration,” says Tolson-Murtty.
“Conflict exists everywhere, and we want to help people address issues before they escalate by providing tools and resources that help teams work better together.”
A three-time University of Windsor alumna, Tolson-Murtty holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies, a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Education. She is currently pursuing a PhD in the Faculty of Education, reinforcing what she describes as a lifelong commitment to learning.
Her extensive experience as a learner is matched only by her time as an employee.
“I’ve worn a lot of hats over the years,” she says with a laugh.
Those hats have included volunteer internship program coordinator, undergraduate recruiter, continuing education program coordinator, director of anti-racism and organizational change and now director of the newly created OHRCRM.
The office itself represents an evolution in how the University supports members of its community.
Established in November 2024, the Office of Human Rights, Conflict Resolution and Mediation succeeded the former Office of Human Rights, Equity and Accessibility (OHREA). While the office continues its important work addressing discrimination, accessibility, equity and human rights concerns, the new name reflects an expanded emphasis on conflict resolution and mediation.
“We want people to understand that we are a resource not only for human rights matters but also for conflict resolution and mediation,” Tolson-Murtty explains.
The shift recognizes a reality shared by virtually every workplace and learning environment: conflict happens. What matters is having effective, respectful ways to address it.
The office's mediation and alternative dispute resolution services are designed to complement existing workplace processes, not replace them. Through collaboration with Human Resources and trained campus leaders, OHRCRM is helping develop approaches that allow individuals to navigate interpersonal challenges in a safe, supportive and impartial environment.
The goal is to create opportunities for respectful dialogue and constructive solutions.
“We can’t mandate that people like each other or become best friends,” says Tolson-Murtty.
“But we can help create opportunities for people to communicate respectfully and work toward resolution.”
Sometimes a person simply wants to talk through a concern, better understand their options or determine whether what they are experiencing warrants further action.
That is why one of Tolson-Murtty’s strongest messages to faculty and staff is that reaching out does not automatically trigger a formal process.
“We want people to know they can come to us for a consultation,” she says.
“Having a conversation doesn’t mean it becomes a formal complaint or investigation. Sometimes people just need a place to talk through what they’re experiencing and understand what options are available.”
That emphasis on consultation reflects a broader philosophy underpinning the office’s work: creating spaces where people feel heard.
Tolson-Murtty points to the University's Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Indigenization and Decolonization Summit earlier this year as an example. In addition to fostering meaningful conversations around equity issues, the event helped raise awareness about the office and its resources.
Following the summit, members of the campus community reached out to discuss concerns they had been carrying for some time.
“You could almost feel the weight coming off their shoulders,” she recalls.
“They felt like they had been dealing with something on their own and didn't know there might be support available.”
That sense of support extends beyond the office itself.
Tolson-Murtty credits the leadership of Clinton Beckford, vice-president, people, equity and inclusion, and the dedication of her colleagues for helping advance the University’s equity and inclusion goals.
She describes the OHRCRM team as “small but mighty,” highlighting the contributions of accessibility specialist Cherie Gagnon and employment equity specialist Diane Luu-Hoang, whose expertise and commitment help drive the office's work forward.
She believes meaningful progress requires more than good intentions. It demands ongoing action, a willingness to listen and a commitment to ensuring everyone feels they belong.
“We have to move beyond simply talking about equity and inclusion,” she says.
“People will know through their experiences whether an institution is genuinely committed to creating equitable and welcoming environments.”
As the University continues that work, Tolson-Murtty sees OHRCRM as both a resource and a partner — one focused on helping individuals navigate challenges, strengthen relationships and contribute to a campus culture grounded in dignity and respect.
Faculty and staff who would like to learn more about the Office of Human Rights, Conflict Resolution and Mediation can visit the office website, email hrcrm@uwindsor.ca or call extension 3400 for a confidential consultation.
“Even if something just doesn’t feel right, reach out,” says Tolson-Murtty.
“We’re here to listen, help people understand their options and support them in finding the best path forward.”