Work is currently ongoing for the establishment of Memorial’s first human rights policy, beginning with the hiring of Dr. Denboy Kudejira, the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism (EDI-AR) office's policy analyst, in April 2023. This policy will establish a clear and comprehensive framework for promoting and protecting human rights in the Memorial University communities.

The upcoming human rights policy, which is currently in the consultation phase, will operate in conjunction with related policies and applicable provisions in the university’s collective agreements. Also, the policy will reflect Memorial’s responsibility and commitment to complying with federal and provincial human rights legislations.

The targeted implementation date for this policy is September 2024.

Progress Update

As part of our office's commitment to transparency and openness, this timeline of the development of a human rights policy for Memorial University is updated regularly and as new developments occur.

November 2023

Beginning of consultation period with key internal stakeholders for the draft human rights policy.

October 24, 2023

Approval of the draft human rights policy for Memorial by the President’s Executive Council.

June 2023

Submission of a New Policy Proposal.

June 2023

Onset of draft period for Memorial’s first human rights policy.

May-June 2023

Onset of ongoing meetings with internal and community stakeholders to gain insights into their work and explore opportunities for collaboration.

May-June 2023

Internal policy assessment to identify gaps to address with the new human rights policy for Memorial.

April 2023

Research period, including review of human-rights policies at other Canadian post-secondary institutions, international human-rights frameworks and relevant federal and provincial legislation.

April 2023

The EDI-AR office added new staff in the role of policy analyst.

August 27, 2021

Dr. Delores V. Mullings appointed as Memorial University’s first Vice-Provost, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism, effective August 27, 2021, for a five-year term.

Late 2019

The position of a Vice-Provost, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism was approved by the Board of Regents after a recommendation by Memorial’s Employment Equity and Diversity Plan.