Former student says UBC paid her to join independent inquiry, court hears

A former student who accused bestselling author Steven Galloway of sexual assault testified that the University of British Columbia provided her with money to obtain therapy and hire a lawyer so she could take part in an independent inquiry, according to testimony from Trent University assistant professor of criminology Mandi Gray.

Gray, who has become a noted advocate for victims of sexual violence, said she learned of the university’s arrangement during several conversations with the student, identified only as A.B., in late 2015 after the student sought her advice. She testified under cross-examination that she was aware of a payment from UBC intended to offset legal costs and therapy, though she could not specify the amount.

Galloway, who chaired UBC’s creative-writing program, filed a defamation lawsuit in 2018 against four defendants, including A.B. and Gray. He claims the allegations destroyed his reputation, cost him his job and harmed his personal life. The trial currently involves A.B., Gray and two other defendants, while other sued parties have settled.

The court has previously heard that A.B. received a $30,000 bursary after graduating in 2015, a sum Galloway testified she was not entitled to. Gray said she did not know whether the bursary and the alleged inquiry payment were the same.

When the allegations first surfaced, UBC hired former B.C. Supreme Court justice Mary Ellen Boyd to investigate. Gray testified that A.B. told her she was unable to work due to mental-health problems at that time.

“I knew there was an exchange of money from UBC to help offset legal costs and her therapy so she could meaningfully participate in the Boyd investigation,” Gray said under cross-examination.

A.B. has not testified, citing a severe mental-health crisis, including two suicide attempts this year, according to her lawyers. Her lead counsel withdrew the defences of truth and fair comment but did not concede that she spread false statements about Galloway. She has amended her defence to state she reported sexual assaults rather than claiming she was personally assaulted.

The trial also includes former UBC student Dana Kagis and Glynnis Kirchmeier, who is representing herself. Gray noted that A.B. had considered a civil suit against UBC and had been advised that a human-rights complaint might be an effective avenue for institutional change, though the student expressed reluctance to make details public.

“[A.B.] emphasized her concerns about the deep shame she experienced, and the desire to not have specific details made public nor litigated was important to her,” Gray testified.

Justice Neena Sharma recently denied a media request to access an exhibit containing A.B.’s draft claim against the university, citing concerns that the material could be discussed in closing arguments later this month.