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

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+).

Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Â鶹ÊÓƵ and Learning), and Pro-Vice-Chancellor have been appointed Executive Champions, and several members of the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Senior Management Group have been become allies, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) .

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 Â鶹ÊÓƵ Ally Network and Â鶹ÊÓƵ Ally Action Committee.

“Â鶹ÊÓƵ 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 Â鶹ÊÓƵ community that is free from discrimination, harassment and bullying.”

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

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

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

You can learn more about the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Ally Network and view the full list of Â鶹ÊÓƵ allies .

For support, information or advice, students are encouraged to Network, or visit the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Ally stall at this Wednesday.

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

Media: Â鶹ÊÓƵ Communications, communications@uq.edu.au, +61 7 3365 1120