The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) has passed a non-confidence motion against Thompson Rivers University President, Brett Fairbairn, and the Marilyn McLean, the Chair of the TRU Board of Governors.
It echoes a similar motion adopted by the TRU Faculty Association back in February.
In an emailed letter sent to Fairbairn and McLean, CAUT Executive Director, David Robinson, said the move is a result of TRU’s refusal to put Vice President Finance and Administration, Matt Milovick, and Associate Vice President of People and Culture, Larry Phillips, on paid leave pending the outcome of an investigation into the two men.
Both men are accused of having fostered a toxic workplace at TRU, with Phillips – who is no longer with the university – also facing allegations of sexual harassment. None of the allegations have yet been proven.
“The allegations that have been made demand that the Board act swiftly to reassure the academic community that all steps are being taken to investigate the complaints properly and fairly, consistent with your legal obligations to ensure a workplace free of harassment and discrimination,” Robinson said, noting he’s aware of at least 13 current and former employees who have filed complaints.
Robinson says the decision to keep the two men in their positions while the investigation is ongoing “casts clouds of doubt” over the entire process.
“It also threatens to inflict serious reputational damage and disrupt the workplace for all employees,” he added.
“It is unfortunate that the administration has failed to address the concerns of the faculty association and the broader academic community. I urge you to resolve this matter immediately so that confidence in the administration may be restored.”
CAUT represents academic and professional staff at more than 120 universities and colleges across Canada.
The investigation into Milovick and Phillips was set to be completed by March 31 of this year, but it was extended by another three to four months, with a TRU spokesperson saying more time was needed to interview witnesses.
“You know it is important for all of us that we respect the time that it will take for the board to do investigations properly,” a tight-lipped TRU President Brett Fairbairn said in February, when asked about the allegations and the investigation.
“We’ll really all have to be patient until we hear more.”
