Prominent writers sign letter demanding probe of UBC firing of Steven Galloway

“There can be no reasonable public discussion of this matter until UBC begins to provide appropriate facts and information,” he wrote.

The letter criticizes UBC for announcing Galloway had been suspended in November 2015 over “serious allegations,” casting suspicion over the professor and creating the impression he was dangerous, severely damaging his reputation and health.

It also says UBC appears to have misrepresented the findings of the former judge’s report. The university said in June that Galloway was no longer employed following a “record of misconduct,” but the faculty association said all but one of the allegations was unsubstantiated.

Martel, who authored the Man Booker Prize-winning “Life of Pi,” said in an interview that he and Alice Kuipers, his partner, decided to sign the letter to express their concerns that due process wasn’t followed and to ensure it is followed in the future.

“Not only has Steven Galloway’s reputation been sullied, but also UBC’s and also the complainants have felt that things didn’t quite go as they thought it would,” he said. “There just has to be clarity and I think that will work best if there is due process.”

Kuipers, a best-selling author of young-adult and children’s books, said she and Martel thought carefully before signing the letter. She said it appears the university needs to more clearly lay out a process for handling such cases.

“It just seems that the clouds of suspicion over everybody are deeply unpleasant,” she said.

While UBC has never revealed the allegations against Galloway, The Canadian Press has spoken with five people who brought forward complaints based on behaviour they experienced or witnessed. The complaints included sexual harassment, bullying, threats and one instance of physical assault.

Philip Steenkamp, vice-president of external relations at UBC, issued a statement Tuesday saying the university reached its decision only after a “thorough, deliberative process” in accordance with labour laws and its collective agreement with the faculty association.

In response to the call from the authors for an independent review, Steenkamp said such a review was already underway, as the faculty association has filed a grievance that will be heard by an independent arbitrator.

UBC remains bound by privacy law from detailing the allegations against Galloway unless he waives his right to privacy, which he has not done, Steenkamp said.

— Follow @ellekane on Twitter.

Laura Kane, The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Prominent writers sign letter demanding probe of UBC firing of Steven Galloway

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