Thompson Rivers University has concluded an investigation into a series of allegations of misconduct against a pair of senior administrators.
The investigation has found wrongdoing on the part of one of the individuals, however, clarification was not provided on which person.
The investigation was launched in November 2021, nine months after anonymous complaints were filed against Matt Milovick, vice-president of finance and administration, and Larry Phillips, associate vice-president of people and culture.
The 500-page, redacted report examined 55 allegations from eight complainants. Twenty-two allegations were brought against one of the men and 33 against the other.
Investigators explained that the report cannot be publicly released in its complete form because of provisions in BC’’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Investigators concluded that 10 of the allegations, which were made by four complainants, were substantiated. In a news release, the university says seven of those centred around inappropriate comments “amounting to sexual harassment against women in the workplace.”
One allegation was deemed harassment towards a particular age group and another involved a derogatory comment about Indigenous people.
Investigators found the remaining 45 allegations were not substantiated.
All 22 allegations against one of the men were also not substantiated.
“There is a lot of hurt in TRU’s community right now. I think of those complainants who investigators determined suffered from improper conduct,” said TRU president Brett Fairbairn.
“This should not happen. On behalf of TRU, I apologize to them for what they have experienced, and I commit TRU to improve in the future.”
Fairbairn said this investigation will serve as a catalyst of change at the university and safe, trauma-informed avenues for employees to report concerns has already been established.
Marilyn McLean, the chair of the board and the sub-committee, said this investigation was thorough, trauma-informed, respectful of fair process, and fully met the expectations of the board’s sub-committee.
“It has taken several months — much greater time than anyone anticipated — to reach this end. And we know it’s been extremely hard for many people, whether directly or indirectly involved,” said McLean.
“The board fully accepts the findings.”
Nathan Mattew, TRU’s Chancellor, agreed that the investigation had fully addressed the allegations and the complainants were given every opportunity to address the allegations.
However, Cullen said he recognized that the publicity of the anti-Indigenous or racist comments caused harm in the community, however, he noted only one allegation was substantiated against one individual.
“Eliminating racism is a cornerstone of TRU’s commitment to reconciliation,” Matthew said.
For more information about the investigation, click here.
