Queen's Crest

Vice-Principal (Culture, Equity, and Inclusion)

We will lead, inspire, and collaborate with students, staff, faculty, and the broader community to cultivate a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Our work

The Office of the Vice-Principal (Culture, Equity, and Inclusion) oversees the work of the Human Rights and Equity Office, University Ombudsperson, Indigenous Initiatives, and Complaints and Investigations.

We are committed to fostering a university culture rich in inclusivity, equity, and belonging, while empowering individuals to reach their full potential.

Ever grateful for the lands on which we live, learn, work, and play, we acknowledge Queen’s University is situated on traditional Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee Territory.

Our mission

  • Enhance the university's commitment to ensuring a workplace culture that celebrates diversity and inclusion.

  • Ensure that in the workplace, we live our values and that our human resources, organizational structure, processes, and culture are properly aligned to fulfil our mission.

  • Enhance cultural competency and awareness by providing education and training opportunities that promote cultural understanding, sensitivity, and awareness among all members of the university community.

  • Regularly evaluate and monitor the university’s efforts to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Stephanie Simpson

Vice-Principal

(Culture, Equity, and Inclusion)

Stephanie Simpson has more than two decades of experience in human rights and advocacy. Stephanie has been instrumental in nurturing accountability at Queen's University in Indigenization - Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Anti-Racism, and Accessibility (I-EDIAA)-related matters.

As an Associate Vice-Principal (Human Rights, Equity, and Inclusion), she played a key role in fostering both competence and legislative compliance around matters such as inclusivity, diversity, accessibility, anti-racism, human rights, and equity within the Queen's community.

VPCEI Portfolio

Each office in our portfolio serves an important role in guiding Queen’s toward a future that celebrates diversity and inclusion. Collectively, we will ensure that in the workplace, we live our values and that our human resources, organizational structure, processes, and culture are properly aligned to fulfil our mission. Furthermore, our work will enhance cultural competency and awareness by providing education and training opportunities that promote cultural understanding, sensitivity, and awareness among all members of the university community.

Human Rights and Equity Office

The Human Rights and Equity Office fosters a culture of human rights, equity, and inclusion through innovative equity strategies, policy guidance, unbiased support for sexual violence prevention, and enhanced campus accessibility.

Human Rights and Equity Office

Office of Indigenous Initiatives

The Office of Indigenous Initiatives builds community, advances reconciliation/conciliation and integrates Indigenous ways of knowing and being into the fabric and life of the university.

Office of Indigenous Initiatives

Office of the University Ombudsperson

The office serves as a comprehensive resource for community members, offering essential guidance on their rights, duties, and recommended steps to follow.

University Ombudsperson

Office of Complaints and Investigations

The Office of Complaints and Investigations is responsible for determining jurisdiction to investigate allegations under the Queen’s University policies on Harassment and Discrimination Prevention and Response, Sexual Violence Involving Queen’s University Students, and Improper Acts Reporting, among other duties.

Office of Complaints and Investigations

Recent Articles

Photo collage of the five honorary degree recipients

Nov 04, 2024

University to confer five honorary degrees during Fall Convocation

Queen’s will recognize extraordinary leaders in arts and culture, mental health, language, volunteerism, and journalism.

The Honourable Murray Sinclair

Nov 04, 2024

Queen's remembers The Honourable Murray Sinclair

The Chancellor Emeritus was instrumental in the advancement of truth and reconciliation at the university and across Canada.

Chancellor Shelagh Rogers in the CFRC radio studio on the Queen's campus.

Oct 31, 2024

Shelagh Rogers to be installed as Queen's 16th Chancellor

Campus community members invited to tune in to broadcasts of the installation ceremony and celebration event on November 11, 2024.

Work conducted within the Office of the Vice-Principal (Culture, Equity, and Inclusion) is directly tied to many United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), contributing to the university’s social impact and making a tangible difference in the lives of others.

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals