TRU and former employee reach agreement
Thompson Rivers University and its former Associate Vice President, People and Culture, Larry Phillips, announce that they have reached a mutually agreeable resolution to all outstanding matters.
Mr. Phillips’ employment was terminated by TRU in December 2021, in the midst of allegations of improper conduct made by a number of former employees of TRU. TRU implemented what was meant to be a confidential investigation process, but some of the complainants took their allegations to the media, where they were widely reported and exaggerated. This caused significant reputational harm and mental distress to Mr. Phillips.
Despite the termination of his employment and the widespread publication of the allegations against him, Mr. Phillips participated in good faith in the investigation and maintained the confidentiality of the process. While Mr. Phillips was ultimately found to have committed some breaches of TRU policy, the more serious allegations which had been publicized in the media were found to be unsubstantiated.
Mr. Phillips commenced a lawsuit against TRU alleging that TRU had mishandled the investigation process and mistreated Mr. Phillips in its administration of his termination. The claim was originally scheduled to go to trial in February 2026 but was rescheduled to August 2027.
In March 2026, the parties met and, with the assistance of a mediator, resolved the litigation. The terms of settlement are confidential and will not be disclosed by either party.
TRU wishes to express to Mr. Phillips its appreciation for his years of service to TRU. TRU also acknowledges that some mistakes were made in its handling of the investigation and Mr. Phillips’ situation which resulted in unfairness to Mr. Phillips and exacerbated the harms suffered by Mr. Phillips and his family. TRU is committed to ensuring fairness in all of its processes going forward.
Mr. Phillips extends his best wishes for ongoing success to TRU, its faculty, employees and students.