Petition for TRU To Take Action Amidst Sexual Harassment, Bullying and Racism Allegations

Petition for TRU To Take Action Amidst Sexual Harassment, Bullying and Racism Allegations
In February of 2021, 13 Thompson Rivers University (TRU) employees came forward with reports of sexual harassment, bullying, and anti-Indigenous racism involving two senior administrators, Matt Milovick, VP Finance and Larry Philips AVP People & Culture. Several months later an investigation into these allegations was launched. In November of 2021, after minimal action from TRU on the matter, the allegations became public on CBC's Daybreak. Once the news came out, a significant number of additional employees (current and former) came forward to report similar complaints against Matt and Larry. Unfortunately, TRU did not take any meaningful steps to ensure the safety of the employees who came forward or students who may have been negatively affected by this news. This response is unacceptable and action should be taken to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of our community members; especially, in light of the recently discovered 215 Indigenous children buried in secret at the Kamloops Residential School. By signing this petition, you agree that Matt Milovick and Larry Phillips should be put on leave for the duration of the investigation as a means of minimizing trauma and promoting a more positive environment for TRU staff, students, and our community.