The Human Rights & Equity Office (HREO) is dedicated to advancing Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism (I-EDIAA) throughout our university. Through an approach that focuses on a removal of barriers, we aim to transform everyday practices and cultivate a welcoming and inclusive environment for students, faculty, staff, and the broader community. We support inclusive excellence by helping Queen鈥檚 University not only meet human rights and equity legal requirements but also align with society鈥檚 growing expectations for sustainability and social justice.
Mission
To advance a culture of human rights, equity and inclusion by inspiring and educating community members through:
- developing and implementing innovative strategies in employment and educational equity
- providing information, advice and assistance to individuals or groups at Queen鈥檚 regarding protections available under polices and legislation
- providing non-judgmental sexual violence prevention and response support for students
- improving access for everyone on campus by removing barriers, encouraging accessibility, and promoting the duty to accommodate.
Vision
An inclusive community that values, respects, and celebrates the dignity and worth of every person, and where all can be their best.
Values
Our commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, accessible and sustainable environment at Queen鈥檚 University is guided by the following core values:
- Collaboration: We recognize that meaningful change requires collective effort. By working together within our office and engaging with the entire Queen鈥檚 community, we strengthen our capacity to advance human rights, equity, and inclusion in all that we do.
- Respect: We uphold the dignity of every individual. Our approach is rooted in understanding and valuing diverse perspectives, ensuring that everyone feels heard and appreciated.
- Integrity: We are committed to transparency and ethical conduct. We strive to act with honesty and uphold the highest standards in everything we do, fostering trust within our community.
- Accountability: We take responsibility for our initiatives and services offered. We learn from our experiences, address challenges openly and directly and make improvements that support our mission.
- Community Centred Practices: We ensure our actions reflect and contribute to a more inclusive, supportive environment for all, by engaging with both the Queen鈥檚 community and the broader Kingston community.
- Creativity & Innovation: We embrace new ideas and creative thinking. Through innovative approaches, we seek to remove barriers and enhance accessibility and inclusivity across campus.
Visual Identity
Designed by , an Indigenous-led agency, our logo embodies the values of community, support, and inclusion, symbolizing safety in sharing ideas and mutual responsibility for improving social practices. It pays homage to the legacy of Ojibway artist Leo Yerxa, the creator of the original office logos. Yerxa鈥檚 work has enriched our space with Indigenous presence and meaning for over a decade, recognizing the importance of integrating Indigenous contributions into our daily environment.