UBC Professor Admits to Approving Incomplete Thesis in Galloway Case
Testimony reveals academic irregularities during the high-profile sexual harassment investigation at UBC.
1Academic Integrity Compromised
University of British Columbia professor Annabel Lyon testified in court that she regrets approving an incomplete graduate thesis. She signed off on the work of a student who later accused author Steven Galloway of sexual harassment. Lyon admitted she felt pressured by a senior colleague to facilitate the student's graduation despite the missing requirements.
2Pressure from Senior Faculty
Professor Keith Maillard reportedly urged Lyon to approve the 144-page draft, which represented only a portion of the required novel. Maillard, who advised the student, awarded the incomplete work an A+ grade. Lyon testified that she signed the approval after reading only a few pages, expecting the student to submit the full manuscript later.
3The Galloway Investigation
In November 2015, UBC launched an investigation into serious allegations against Steven Galloway, leading to his suspension and eventual firing. While an independent investigator found no evidence of sexual assault, they concluded that sexual harassment and other misconduct had occurred. This case sparked a national debate regarding due process and institutional accountability.
4Institutional Policy Gaps
Lyon testified that the creative-writing department lacked formal policies defining a complete graduate thesis at the time. Following this incident, she drafted new regulations to prevent similar situations. The court heard that the university also awarded the accuser a $30,000 post-graduation bursary, despite the student not being entitled to such financial support.
5Defamation Trial Context
Steven Galloway filed a defamation lawsuit in 2018, claiming the allegations destroyed his career. While most defendants have settled, the accuser remains one of four parties still involved in the litigation. Her lawyer recently withdrew defenses of truth and fair comment, though the client does not admit to spreading false information about Galloway.
6Managing Public Perception
Evidence presented in court included an email from Lyon to university administration during the 2016 controversy. Lyon suggested the university needed a human face to counter public criticism from prominent writers like Margaret Atwood. She stated her primary motivation was to protect and reassure students who felt their complaints were being ignored.
7Legal Procedural Hurdles
Justice Neena Sharma recently denied a media request to access an exhibit involving a potential $3-million lawsuit against the university. The accuser allegedly considered suing UBC for negligence and breach of contract. The judge indicated that this specific legal threat might be addressed during the upcoming closing arguments of the current trial.
8Lasting Institutional Impact
The testimony highlights the intersection of academic administration and legal liability. By admitting to procedural shortcuts, Lyon’s statements underscore the internal chaos that followed the allegations against Galloway. The case serves as a stark example of how institutional handling of sensitive complaints can lead to long-term legal and reputational consequences for universities.