Steven Galloway investigation shocks UBC's Creative Writing Program

The acting head of UBC's Creative Writing Program is not revealing any more about the investigation into "serious allegations" involving Professor Steven Galloway.

"We are all really conscious of not compromising the process going forward. Due process is owed to everyone," the department's acting co-chair Annabel Lyon said Thursday morning.

Yesterday UBC revealed Galloway has been temporarily suspended with pay while some serious allegations against him are investigated.

But no details about the nature of the allegations have been revealed.

Lyon, who was appointed interim co-chair yesterday, said the investigation has shocked the department, but confidentiality needs to be respected.

"As someone relatively close to this on the inside, you know, I think we all need to talk a step back and remember that confidentially is owed to many people involved."

Investigation not yet launched

In the memo issued yesterday, UBC's dean of arts Gage Averill noted, "The investigation has not yet commenced and no findings have been made about any wrongdoing by Prof. Galloway."

Lyon says the university is still working to appoint an investigator, and no timeline has been set for the investigation.

In the meantime classes continue as both students and faculty deal with the shock of the news, she said.

"This is a difficult time for all of us. It is a confusing time."

"Everyone who knows Steve knows him as a funny guy. He is a a very social outgoing guy, and it is just this is hard. This is confusing for everyone"

Galloway is known for his international bestseller The Cellist of Sarajevo and other books.

The CBC reached Galloway by phone Thursday morning, and he declined a request to comment.