Atwood, Boyden face backlash over letter to UBC over Steven Galloway firing
VANCOUVER — A rift in Canada’s literary community has deepened after dozens of prominent authors called for an independent investigation into the University of British Columbia’s firing of Steven Galloway.
Joseph Boyden wrote and circulated an open letter, signed by Margaret Atwood, Yann Martel and others, which raised concerns the university’s process to investigate “serious allegations” against Galloway was secretive and unfair. Galloway, who was chairman of the school’s creative writing program, was fired in June.
The letter has sparked an online backlash, with former students who say they witnessed misconduct by Galloway and outside observers expressing concerns it would silence and intimidate complainants.
“I wept when I read those names because I truly believe those writers have no idea the silencing effect this letter has on victims, both of the past and of the future,” said Sierra Skye Gemma, a former student who filed a complaint against Galloway about behaviour she says she witnessed.