Antiracism and Cultural Inclusion Policy consultation

Have your say:

Proposed Antiracism and Cultural Inclusion Policy and updates to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy

The University is seeking feedback from staff and students on the proposed new Antiracism and Cultural Inclusion Policy and follow-on updates required to related policies and procedures.

Below is the list of proposed policies and procedures:

This an important opportunity for staff and students to share their perspectives and ensure the proposed policies are clear, fit for purpose and relevant to the University context.
 

Why are these policies being proposed?

The policies are part of UQ’s broader program of work and commitment to antiracism and fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive university environment where everyone can work, study and participate free from racism, discrimination and exclusion.

The proposed Antiracism and Cultural Inclusion Policy and updates to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy aim to provide a clearer and more consistent framework for preventing and responding to racism, while supporting an inclusive university community.

The changes also respond to the amended TEQSA Higher Education Standards Framework Amendment (Threshold Standards) Instrument 2026, which must be implemented by 1 January 2027, and take into account recommendations outlined in the Expert Advisory Committee on Combatting Antisemitism (EACCA) report.
 

What will the policies mean in practice?

The proposed policies are intended to strengthen expectations and responsibilities across the University and support a more consistent approach to inclusion, respect and preventing and addressing racism.

  • The Antiracism and Cultural Inclusion Policy recognises that racism can take many forms including systemic and interpersonal and can occur through everyday interactions, organisational practices, systems and structures.

    It aims to provide clear expectations and responsibilities for our community, as well as definitions of racism against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, antisemitism and Islamophobia as required under the TEQSA threshold standards.

    • The definition of racism against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples has been developed by a cross-sector group of Deputy- and Pro-Vice Chancellors (Indigenous), including UQ DVC (Indigenous Engagement), Professor Bronwyn Fredericks.

    • The definition of Islamophobia was developed by a Group of Eight working party, drawing on scholarly experts and guidance from the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia.

    • The University’s existing Antisemitism definition, which is the Universities Australia definition adopted by UQ Senate in February 2025, remains unchanged.

  • The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy provides an important overarching framework for fostering a respectful, inclusive and safe university community. It outlines UQ's commitment to preventing discrimination, harassment and bullying, and guides the actions and responsibilities that support fair access, participation and opportunity for all members of the UQ community.
     

  • The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Procedure explains the support, reporting and complaints pathways available and how matters involving discrimination, harassment, bullying and racism will be managed.
     

  • The Staff Code of Conduct Policy sets out the behaviour expected of UQ staff, including how they must not engage in unlawful discrimination, vilification, harassment or racism, and explains how concerns about staff conduct will be managed.
     

  • The Student Code of Conduct Policy sets out the behaviour expected of students, including that they must not engage in unlawful discrimination, harassment, vilification, bullying and acts of racism, and explains how concerns about their conduct will be managed.
     

Have your say

Staff and students are invited to provide feedback on the proposed policies via the Policy and Procedure Library Bulletin Board before 11.59pm on Friday 6 November.

The University is also undertaking focused consultation with staff and student representative and advisory groups and committees on the policies.
 

Timeline

Staff and students are invited to provide feedback before 11.59pm on Friday 6 November. Feedback received through the consultation process will, where appropriate, inform any subsequent changes to the proposed policies and procedure before they are considered by UQ Senate at its final meeting of the year in early December.

The policies, including the definitions, will need to be implemented by 1 January 2027 to comply with the TESQA threshold standards.
 

Contact

For further information please contact hrpolicyfeedback@uq.edu.au.