Image Credit: TRU

By Michael Reeve

TRU INVESTIGATION

Investigation finds 10 allegations of harassment substantiated against one of two TRU administrators

Jan 17, 2023 | 4:06 PM

KAMLOOPS — Almost two years after anonymous complaints of discrimination and harassment were made against two senior administrators at TRU, the university released details of it’s completed investigation Tuesday (Jan. 17). The complaints were lodged against Vice-President of Finance and Administration Matt Milovick and former Vice-President of People and Culture Larry Phillips.

“All 22 allegations against one of the respondents were not substantiated,” said TRU Chancellor Nathan Matthew.

In total, eight complainants raised 55 complaints against the two men, with 45 of them unable to be substantiated by investigators. Due to privacy laws in British Columbia, the name of the individual that was found to have committed the harassment was not made public.

“The Board and TRU are not able to share detailed information about allegations or the findings publicly. These are considered private employment matters according to B.C.’s laws and will be treated as such,” said TRU Board Chair Marilyn McLean.

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The heavily redacted report does not provide the names of complainants or the two staff members accused, one of whom has now been exonerated.

Shortly after the investigation began in February of 2021, Phillips left the university. The reason why he departed was never released. Milovick remains in his position at TRU.

“Investigators concluded that 10 allegations made by four complainants were substantiated. Seven of those allegations centered around inappropriate comments amounting to sexual harassment against women in the workplace or social settings,” added Matthew.

Chair of the TRU Equity Committee Jenna Woodrow was in the back of the room, with a large group of supporters for the complainants. She wasn’t shocked by the results of the investigation.

“I’m not surprised to hear that some were substantiated and some weren’t substantiated. Of course my heart is broken for those who did suffer from the harassment. We didn’t have a chance to find out which were substantiated and which were not substantiated,” said Woodrow.

The university has promised to learn from the investigation, but again quoted privacy laws in why it will be hard for them to report on the steps being taken.

“What does transparency and accountability look like when there is nothing that I and others can share about the specifics in this workplace investigation?” began TRU President Brett Fairbairn. “There are no easy answers to those questions. What I can say is that I want and expect TRU to be a place that is inclusive of everyone. I’m firmly committed to working towards a culture that supports people to be included, to belong and be themselves.”

Woodrow is hoping that the investigation will lead to changes at the university moving forward.

“There is something really positive about this, which is these complainants, there bravery, their resourcefulness, came through. And they did that in order to protect themselves and others in our institution,” said Woodrow.

The full redacted report can be found on the TRU website.