Author Galloway says his defenders lost jobs, friends after letter opposed suspension

VANCOUVER — Author and former University of British Columbia professor Steven Galloway says people who signed a letter criticizing the university’s handling of a misconduct case against him were subjected to “extremely hurtful” comments, and suffered socially and professionally.

Galloway is being questioned by his own lawyer at the B.C. Supreme Court trial where he alleges he was defamed by a former student and others over unproven sexual assault allegations that led to his firing from the university.

The letter, known as “UBC Accountable,” was published in November 2016 with signatories from the literary community, including Margaret Atwood, but Galloway says many removed their names after a wave of vitriolic criticism online.

Galloway says people lost jobs and friendships were ruined, and one signatory called him in tears, saying her daughter was never going to speak to her again.