I really do need to speak from the perspective of the research participants, the folks who volunteered to participate in the focus groups rather than my own personal opinion. That's what we do in the world of research.
I would say that there was strong.... Not only was establishing just such an ombudsman suggested by many participants, but it was supported by many participants as well.
Along with that was the emphatic requirement that this role be permanent, that it have teeth, that it can hold people accountable, that it can protect those who come forward and take action on what they come forward with.
Right now the perception in the department is that there is really no clear process to report complaints about instances of racism that is effective and that holds people accountable and protects those who come forward. They see a new ombudsman being established as solving that problem.