WARNING: This story contains references to suicide and may be distressing for some readers.
The city has not reviewed its contracts and funding with Redeemer University, more than a year after city councillors made the request of city lawyers and senior management following the death of a student on campus.
The request was made in February 2023, after a transgender student died by suicide on campus in 2022 and concerns were raised the university was violating city policy that aims to ensure the rights of trans people are respected.
A family member of the student said the delay is “so disappointing.”
“Maybe to some people, this was just a headline, but this was my sibling and their life mattered,” said Jelayne Wiebe, sister of the late Bekett Noble.
“For it to just be on an outstanding business list, it just seems like not enough.”
There were concerns following Noble’s death from Hamilton’s LGBTQ advisory committee that the private, Reformed Christian university doesn’t follow a municipal policy that states “transgender and gender nonconforming people must be treated with full dignity, whenever they interact with city and city-funded services.”
It’s unclear if the city considers the policy when making contractual agreements. However, the committee’s concerns prompted the request to review contracts and funding, but that review hasn’t taken place — and city spokesperson Lauren Vastano said there’s no date set on when there will be an update.
Redeemer doesn’t receive government operating funding like a public university does and must rely on donations, but it has received millions in taxpayer dollars through federal grants and programs. It has also received money through city contracts.
Noble, 34, was a fourth-year psychology student at Redeemer University who was nonbinary and used they and them pronouns.
They were known in the school community for working various jobs on campus and for co-founding Genesis, an unofficial student group on campus promoting LGBTQ+ awareness.
Noble died inside the school on Nov. 23, 2022 and their body was found the next day. Their death shook Hamilton’s 2SLGBTQ+ community.
University released mental health recommendations
An email Noble sent to the university leadership shortly before their death obtained by CBC Hamilton indicated Noble felt the school didn’t adequately support LGBTQ+ students.
The school cancelled classes that day, lowered its flag to half-mast and offered counselling services.
Redeemer also announced it was establishing a mental health task force to review the school’s mental health programming.
The task force’s report was released in May last year and offered five broad recommendations and 22 smaller, specific recommendations within them. The five main overarching recommendations were:
- Developing a vision of mental health that is consistent with Redeemer’s mission.
- Ongoing assessment and dialogue regarding mental health needs in order to facilitate student-informed care.
- Creating a service delivery model that includes a continuum of care to meet the broad range of needs.
- Enhancing specific services and supports that are informed by a continuum of care.
- Communicating mental health resources, supports and services clearly and strategically with relevant groups and stakeholders.
“The tragic loss of Bekett Noble in November 2022 underscored the urgency and importance of addressing mental health supports at Redeemer,” Redeemer’s report read.
It did not mention Bekett’s gender identity.
The chair of the city’s LGBTQ advisory committee called the recommendations “insulting.”
“It’s not a good faith effort … it’s disappointing,” Rebecca Banky said at the time, pointing out how Noble’s gender identity wasn’t mentioned and there was no mention of how the recommendations would improve the safety of LGBTQ+ students.
In 2020, students and alumni at Redeemer University spoke to CBC Hamilton about issues they had regarding a school policy they said discriminated against LGBTQ students, and against campus culture.
Redeemer says it’s committed to ensuring ‘positive’ environment
Redeemer University spokesperson Shannon McBride said this week the school is “committed to ensuring a positive campus environment for all who choose to be part of this Christian community, treating all with dignity and respect.”
She said the school and its students “continue to benefit from participating in CityLAB and other opportunities in the city.”
“We are committed to being in compliance with every contract and partnership agreement that we hold regardless of whom those contracts are with,” McBride said.
She also said some of the mental health action plan recommendations have been implemented.
For example, a new mental health case manager — a point person for students seeking mental health support — started working in January, she said.
The school is also starting to design an upgraded student health clinic, with new services like mental health triage and counselling. Other recommendations will continue to be reviewed and implemented, McBride added.
Wiebe said she hopes the review by the city will come soon.
“Historically, minority groups … We’ve always had to fight a little harder for our stuff to matter,” she said.
“There should be accountability.”
If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts or having a mental health crisis, there is help out there:
- Trans Lifeline – 1-877-330-6366. It offers full anonymity and confidentiality.
- The Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566 (phone) | 45645 (Text, 4 p.m. to midnight ET only) | crisisservicescanada.ca.
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868. You can also text CONNECT to 686868 and get immediate support from a crisis responder through the Crisis Text Line, powered by Kids Help Phone. Live Chat counselling at www.kidshelpphone.ca.
- In Quebec (French): Association Québécoise de prévention du suicide: 1-866-APPELLE (1-866-277-3553)
- Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Find a 24-hour crisis centre.
- COAST — 905-972-8338 or Toll Free: 1-844-972-8338.