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The Queen’s Harassment and Discrimination Prevention and Response Policy (H&D Policy) and its procedures have been revised, with changes approved by the Board of Trustees going into effect Sept. 1. The policy originally went into effect in 2021 following extensive consultation.

“This policy promotes a campus culture of respect, one of the institutional values outlined in the Queen’s Strategy,” says Stephanie Simpson, Vice-Principal (Culture, Equity, and Inclusion). “As part of the university’s commitment to continuous assessment and improvement of the policy, these revisions will help ensure that it remains current and responsive to the needs of the community.”

The revisions aim to achieve several goals, with a primary focus on encouraging members of the campus community to consult available resources when they are considering filing a complaint or report. Through consultation, individuals can determine whether or not their issue meets the definition of harassment and/or discrimination under the university policy, explore different pathways to resolution, and ensure they are connected to the appropriate offices if they decide to proceed with filing a complaint.

“We want to help members of the university community find the best pathway for addressing their concerns,” says Simpson. “Sometimes that means filing a complaint through the policy and other times it means seeking out other methods of resolution. When individuals consult before they file, we can help them make that decision.”

The policy revisions also include updates to the mandatory reporting requirements for persons of authority, providing clearer guidance to individuals who have responsibility for employees who either may have been subjected to a policy breach or may have breached the policy.

The H&D Policy was updated in January 2025 as well to incorporate specific language responding to the anti-hate and anti-racism directive issued by the Ontario Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security.

Learn more on the H&D Policy webpage, which will soon be updated with additional information and tools to navigate the revised policy.