Final Approval Body: Senate
Senior Administrative Position with Responsibility for Policy: University Secretariat
Date Initially Approved: 1990
Date of Last Revision: 2001, 2024
Definitions
Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women: December 6 of each year, which memorializes the day when the lives of 14 women were taken at École Polytechnique in Montreal. Previously referred to as “Commemoration Day”.
Academic Activities: Activities that include classes, labs, tests, exams, and assignment due dates.
Purpose
This policy stipulates the various mandatory academic measures and exceptions with respect to the annual recognition of the Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
Scope
On December 6, 1989, in an act of gender-based violence, 14 women were murdered at École Polytechnique in Montreal, Quebec. On October 25, 1990, the Senate of Queen’s University agreed to endorse recognition by the university of December 6 as a day of commemoration. The policy applies to all Faculties and Schools.
Policy Statement
Queen’s University is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, diverse campus where everyone feels respected and secure. It does not tolerate hostility and violence of any kind, including gender-based violence. Queen’s recognizes that, while violence is a threat to all community members, women, particularly those who are transgender and Black, Indigenous, and people of colour, face heightened risks.
As an expression of the university’s commitment and to honour the memories of those who perished in the massacre, all academic activities will be suspended on December 6, except for clinical responsibilities and fieldwork. This date is to be included in all faculty sessional dates. When December 6 falls within the examination period, the exam period shall be extended by one day.
Responsibilities
Deans and other academic leaders should make efforts to promote the intent of this Policy with respect to activities that fall outside its scope.
The Office of the Vice-Principal (Culture, Equity, and Inclusion) will coordinate any central events, such as memorials, activities, and observances, which will be communicated to the community in advance.
The Senate encourages each Faculty and School to support the Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in ways deemed appropriate.
Faculties and Schools – Include the Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in academic sessional dates.
Senate Committee on Academic Development and Procedures – Confirm the inclusion of the Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in all Faculties’ and Schools’ academic sessional dates in advance of their approval on behalf of Senate.
Related Policies, Procedures, Guidelines: n/a
Policies Superseded by this Policy: n/a
Responsible Officer (senior administrator ultimately responsible): University Secretary
Contact: University Secretariat
Date for Next Review: 2028