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By Aaron Schulze

TRU Investigation

One year later, TRU releases full report of investigation into harassment allegations against two senior administrators

Mar 25, 2024 | 11:34 AM

KAMLOOPS — One year after a redacted report into anonymous complaints of discrimination and harassment were made against two senior administrators at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) was released, the university is now presenting its full investigation.

In a statement Monday (March 25), TRU Board Chair Marilyn McLean says the university is releasing its full report of investigation into current Vice-President of Finance and Administration Matt Milovick and former Vice-President of People and Culture Larry Phillips.

McLean states the full report is in the public’s interest, citing factors such as the allegations suggesting systemic issues, TRU’s role in providing a safe workplace and whether the information would help public understanding.

In total, eight complainants raised 55 complaints against Milovick and Phillips, with 45 of them unable to be substantiated by investigators, following an investigation that began in February 2021.

Milovick was fully exonerated in the investigation and remains in his position at TRU, while Phillips left the university shortly after the investigation began.

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“The fact that the allegations were so widely shared and continue to be even in 2024 is an important factor in the determination that the full report, including discussion of confidential matters, must now be released in the public interest,” McLean states. “TRU is not making this disclosure to protect or enhance the institution’s reputation. If that were the motivation, the full report would have been released more than a year ago when there was considerable public and media commentary.”

The substantiated complaints against Phillips, who was referred to as “Respondent 1” in the full report, included sexual harassment, sexist comments, discrimination, personal harassment, misogynistic comments, anti-Indigenous comments and derogatory comments about International Women’s Day,

McLean adds a TRU Faculty of Law member also issued a complaint with B.C.’s Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner, asking for the university to release the full report.

The investigation and 500-page report cost TRU $1 million.

Residents can request the full report here.