UBC bullying and harassment investigation substantiates at least 10 allegations

[ad_1]

An investigation into allegations of bullying and harassment involving two senior executives at Thompson Rivers University has found some allegations to be true, according to a report released Tuesday by the Kamloops institution.

The university says that of the 55 complaints involving eight people that were investigated, at least 10 were founded. Investigators were unable to reach conclusions on at least four allegations, according to the report, which has been heavily redacted.

According to TRU, the complaints first surfaced in February 2021, prompting the university to seek legal advice.

CBC later learned that several current and former staff and faculty members have made allegations of anti-Indigenous racism and bullying, and one has also been accused of sexual harassment.

Matt Milovick, the vice president of finance and administration, and his subordinate Larry Phillips, then assistant vice president of people and culture, were accused of fostering a toxic workplace, according to documents obtained by CBC News and interviews with over a dozen people in 2021.

By fall, a full investigation had begun.

Since then, Phillips has left college. Milovick remains in his role.

On Tuesday, the university released a report addressing the allegations, concluding that some were founded.

TRU did not name anyone, citing privacy and legal concerns. However, based on information previously shared by a number of complainants willing to speak to CBC, 22 allegations have been made against one man and 33 against another.

The report found that 10 of the allegations against one person who received 33 complaints that were investigated were founded, and none of the allegations against the other person were.

“This is not a public inquiry. These matters involve individuals and issues related to their employment. As such, the report and findings are protected. These are considered employment matters private by law and will be treated as such,” said Marilyn McLeans, Chair of the TRU Board. in a report.

A total of 34 witnesses were interviewed and investigators reviewed “hundreds” of documents, including emails, media reports, social media posts and text messages, TRU said.

At a news conference on Tuesday, McLean said the investigation, which spanned more than a year, cost the university more than $1 million in legal fees.

“I am confident that the investigators took the time necessary to ensure a full result,” she said.

Faculty member Jenna Woodrow, who is also chair of the TRU faculty association equity committee, said complainants who have come forward should be celebrated for their efforts to make TRU a better place to work. work for all.

“Their bravery, their ingenuity came through,” she said.

[ad_2]