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Even though she served many years as the University 91��Ƭ�� ’s Legal Counsel, Diane Kelly (Law’83) admits that legal action is not the best approach in certain situations.

“Litigation might be great for solving things like contractual issues, but it is a very destructive tool for solving people problems,” Ms. Kelly says. “With issues where there is human interaction, I favour approaches that rely on mediation, conciliation, and education.”

That collaborative and cooperative attitude – a hallmark of Ms. Kelly and her career at Queen 91��Ƭ�� ’s – has earned her the 2016 Queen 91��Ƭ�� ’s Human Rights Initiative Award.

“Even though Diane has retired from Queen 91��Ƭ�� ’s, her impact in the areas of accessibility, equity, and human rights at the university continues to be felt,” says Irène Bujara, University Adviser on Equity and Human Rights. “Staff and faculty at Queen 91��Ƭ�� ’s continue to receive important education and training in relation to human rights due to Diane 91��Ƭ�� ’s creativity and resourcefulness.”

Queen 91��Ƭ�� ’s, like other employers in Canada, is subject to federal and provincial legislation designed to safeguard human rights. In her role, Ms. Kelly had to ensure Queen 91��Ƭ�� ’s met its legal obligations. Rather than stop at legislative compliance, Ms. Kelly sought to build positive and inclusive relationships with people across campus, giving them the tools and information they needed to make a difference.

To accomplish that goal, Ms. Kelly worked with the Human Rights Office to establish in 2009 the innovative (HRLG). The group, which still exists today, brings together representatives from all academic and non-academic units to learn more about the issues and to discuss the constantly evolving landscape of human rights-related legislation.

“By establishing the Human Rights Legislation Group, we were trying to combat the lack of understanding that stalls progress on these issues,” Ms. Kelly says. “We really saw the group as a way to help people across campus realize that legislation and related initiatives from the Human Rights Office lead to a more productive work environment.”

Ms. Kelly 91��Ƭ�� ’s strong connection to Queen 91��Ƭ�� ’s dates back many years. She completed her undergraduate degree in the Faculty of Arts and Science before attending Queen 91��Ƭ�� ’s Law and specializing in administrative law. Her father Garfield Kelly, a Queen 91��Ƭ�� ’s graduate, served as vice-dean in Queen 91��Ƭ�� ’s Faculty of Health Sciences, and he was a faculty member in the School of Medicine.

After earning her law degree, Ms. Kelly joined Cunningham Swan law firm in Kingston. Before too long, though, Ms. Kelly reconnected with Queen 91��Ƭ�� ’s. She accepted a secondment with the university and, in 2007, she agreed to join Queen 91��Ƭ�� ’s on a full-time basis and serve as the in-house legal counsel.

Ms. Kelly says she is thrilled to have her work recognized with the Human Rights Initiative Award.

“I was very emotional when I read the email. The award is one of the biggest honours I have received,” she says. “I know that some of the initiatives are continuing, and that 91��Ƭ�� ’s a testament to the people in the Human Rights Office. Working with them for so many years really confirmed for me that they are masters of their craft.”

Ms. Kelly will receive the award on Feb. 27. During that event, she will also participate in a panel discussion with the winners of the Steve Cutway Accessibility Award and the Employment Equity Award. All are welcome to attend the event. Email the Equity Office to RSVP. Visit the .