Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Amandalina Letterio

THOMPSON RIVERS UNIVERSITY

Rally at Thompson Rivers University aims to uplift complainants in Milovick-Phillips allegations

Nov 29, 2021 | 5:02 PM

KAMLOOPS — More than 100 people gathered at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) to advocate for those who came forward with allegations of discrimination and harassment against the university’s senior administrators Matt Milovick and Larry Phillips.

It comes after the university issued a video statement about the allegations on Nov. 24 from TRU Board Chair Marilyn McLean.

TRU Law Professor and advocate for the complainants, Charis Kamphius, says the video ‘perfectly demonstrates why the complainants had lost faith.’

In the video, McLean says the university acted quickly and is taking the matter seriously.

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Kamphius disagrees, pointing out that the complainants came forward more than 10 months ago.

“We heard Matt Milovick say that he ‘just found out’ and that he ‘just received the terms of reference the other day,’ and we heard Larry Phillips say that there ‘may be an investigation.’ Those statements contradict what the board has said,” Kamphius says.

Students, staff, and community members have gathered at the university on Monday afternoon (Nov. 29) to show their support for those who came forward with the allegations. The supporters marched to the university’s human resources building where they will stand in solidarity and silence.

Many participants said they want to see the university take action.

One professor, who preferred to not share their name, told CFJC News, “I think these dynamics are very well known around campus.”

The rally aims to help the complainants feel supported and safe, something the university claims it has done with respect to the investigation, as stated in McLean’s statement.

But Kamphius says safeguards do not exist.

“There are broad calls for the two respondents, for Matt and Larry, to be put on leave, precisely because complainants and potential complainants don’t feel safe while they continue to be in these positions of power,” Kamphius says.

Until the university is able to give the complainants confidence in the integrity of the investigation, the advocates hope to find ways to make them feel safe.

“I found really difficult to hear how people reached out for help and they didn’t get the help they needed,” she adds.