One of two TRU executives absolved of misconduct complaints

Investigators at Thompson Rivers University substantiated some of the complaints against one of two vice-presidents under investigation for misconduct.

The university will keep most of the investigation report from the public, but did say ten of the 55 complaints levelled against the two were substantiated.

The long-awaited report from the investigation started in August 2021 after eight people made complaints about Matt Milovick, vice-president of Finance and Administration, and Larry Phillips, associate vice president of People and Culture.

The complaints included allegations of sexual harassment, ageism and anti-Indigenous racism, according to the university.

One of the men had 22 complaints against him, but the university didn't specify which man at a news conference today, Jan. 17.

University president Brett Fairbairn said its workplace investigations are restricted by B.C. privacy laws, so it wouldn't provide more details about the investigation or how the investigation will respond.

The ten substantiated allegations came from four of the complainants. Seven centred around sexual harassment, one for each ageism and "personal harassment" and another for derogatory comments about Indigenous people, according to a news release.

Milovick and Phillips were not named in the release nor the press conference. While the investigation absolved one of the men of any complaints, the university didn't say who it was, with Fairbairn again citing privacy laws.

"There's a lot of hurt in TRU's community right now. I think of those complainants who investigators determined suffered from improper conduct. This should not happen," Fairbairn said. "On behalf of TRU, I apologize to them for what they have experienced, and I commit TRU to improve in the future."

Marilyn McLean, chair of the university board, said the investigation cost more than $1 million.

"It has taken several months — much greater time than anyone anticipated — to reach this end. And we know it's been extremely hard for many people, whether directly or indirectly involved," she said.

McLean said the board accepts the findings and has confidence in Fairbairn to address the issue.

"This is not a public inquiry. These matters involve individuals and issues related to their employment. As such, the report and findings are protected," she said.

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