Senior leaders to champion diversity at UQ

University of Queensland senior leaders have today been appointed as executive champions and allies of the UQ Ally Network, in recognition of their commitment to advancing inclusion and diversity at UQ.

The executive champions and allies represent a range of priority areas for the University and will support the efforts of the network to advocate, develop and maintain an inclusive environment for people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual, and queer (LGBTIAQ+).

UQ’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning), Professor Doune Macdonald and Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Dunne have been appointed Executive Champions, and several members of the UQ Senior Management Group have been become allies, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Joanne Wright.

Professor Macdonald said fostering a safe and welcoming community was everyone’s responsibility.

“Today marks the official start of semester two classes on campus, and this is a timely reminder of our shared commitment at the highest levels of the University to ensuring everybody feels safe, supported and welcome here,” she said.

“We have worked hard during the past few years to establish and strengthen a number of successful diversity and inclusion programs, including our award-winning UQ Ally Network and UQ Ally Action Committee.

“UQ is also an active member of Pride in Diversity, an Australian not-for-profit organisation that works with employers to promote LGBTIAQ+ inclusiveness in the workplace.

“We do our best work when we feel safe and supported and are able to bring our whole, authentic selves to work and study, and I encourage every student and staff member to do their part to foster a UQ community that is free from discrimination, harassment and bullying.”

UQ Union Student Executive Queer Officer Nicholas Comino said UQ Ally champions and executive allies would be recognisable by wearing a UQ Ally badge.

“The simple act of having our University leaders wear the UQ Ally badge sends a powerful visual message to students that they are welcome and valued here,” he said.

“The Union, Queer Collective and other clubs and societies have been working in partnership with the UQ Ally Network and Ally Action Committee to make some great progress towards improving the student experience. It was wonderful to see the UQ Ally team receive a UQ Award for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion earlier this month.”

You can learn more about the UQ Ally Network and view the full list of UQ allies via the website.

For support, information or advice, students are encouraged to the UQ Ally Network, or visit the UQ Ally stall at Market Day this Wednesday.

Staff can contact a member of the UQ Ally Network, or UQ’s Workplace Diversity and Inclusion team at ideals@uq.edu.au.

Media: UQ Communications, communications@uq.edu.au, +61 7 3365 1120