Thompson Rivers University Settles Lawsuit Filed by Former Associate Vice-President Larry Phillips

Thompson Rivers University, located in Kamloops, British Columbia, announced the settlement of a lawsuit filed by Larry Phillips, its former associate vice-president of people and culture. Phillips was terminated in December 2021 after complaints emerged regarding bullying and harassment.

The university's statement indicated that the lawsuit claimed mishandling of an internal investigation and mistreatment during Phillips's termination.

The internal investigation, initiated after the complaints, lasted more than a year and involved interviews with 34 witnesses. Investigators reviewed hundreds of documents, including emails, media reports, social media posts, and text messages. The report, released in heavily redacted form in January 2023, determined that some allegations against senior leaders were substantiated, though specific details and involved individuals were not identified.

The university stated that Phillips participated in the investigation in good faith following his termination.

It noted that while some breaches of university policy by Phillips were found, the more serious allegations publicized in media were unsubstantiated. The investigation cost $1 million in legal fees, according to board chair Marilyn McLean in a January 2023 statement to CBC News.

In its recent statement, the university acknowledged mistakes in the investigation process that resulted in unfairness to Phillips and additional harm to him and his family.

The statement also mentioned that some complainants shared allegations with media, leading to reports that the university described as exaggerated. These reports caused reputational harm and mental distress to Phillips, according to the university.