Colleen Sheppard

Colleen Sheppard is a Full Professor and Associate Dean (Graduate Studies) at McGill University’s Faculty of Law, holding the FR Scott Chair in Public & Constitutional Law. She has held academic positions since 1988, including Director of the McGill Centre for Human Rights and Legal Pluralism (2010–2015). Her research focuses on equality rights, systemic discrimination, feminist legal theory, and constitutional law.

Education:

• LL.M., Harvard University (1985)
• Juris Doctor (LL.B.), University of Toronto (1984)
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours), University of Toronto (1980)

Research Interests: She examines systemic discrimination in workplaces, gender equality, and legal frameworks for Indigenous rights (e.g., Jordan’s Principle). Her work bridges constitutional theory, human rights, and legal pluralism, advocating for inclusive equality and institutional change. Recent publications address Quebec’s Bill 21 and reconciliation efforts with First Nations communities.

Publications & Awards:

• Elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada’s Academy of Social Sciences (2016)
• Author of Inclusive Equality (2010) and co-editor of Human Rights and Diverse Societies (2013)
• Over 30 articles on equality law, feminist jurisprudence, and anti-discrimination policies

Advising & Public Work: Served as Commissioner on Quebec’s Human Rights and Youth Rights Commission (1991–1996). Collaborated with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, the International Labour Organization, and Equitas. Her work emphasizes legal responses to systemic racism and gender-based inequality.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Centre for Human Rights and Legal Pluralism, advancing interdisciplinary approaches to human rights education and policy.