In December 2021, Rubin Thomlinson LLP was retained to conduct an independent third-party review of the University’s workplace policies and practices with respect to harassment and discrimination and an investigation of allegations that were brought to the University’s attention concerning the former president.

The University’s legal counsel received the report about the review on June 5, 2023, and they provided it to the University the next day. Independent legal counsel then reviewed and made redactions to the report to meet confidentiality and privacy legal requirements. The final redacted report, called the University of Prince Edward Island Review (UPEI Review) was shared with the UPEI campus community in a joint message from the Chair of the UPEI Board of Governors and the interim President and Vice-Chancellor on June 14, 2023.

The Terms of Reference for the review were approved by the UPEI Board of Governors on January 28, 2022, and called for a high-level summary of the findings to be made public. The UPEI Board of Governors is making as much of the UPEI Review available as legally possible.

Report Context

The UPEI Review focuses on a review of culture on campus and among faculty, staff and students that was conducted primarily in early to mid 2022 through a survey and interviews. Although the report is not specific as to when events occurred, it recounts troubling incidents and expresses important concerns about the need for improved policies and procedures on harassment, discrimination, and unfair treatment.

In addition to the report that is being shared, Rubin Thomlinson undertook an investigation into a specific allegation surrounding the former president. As indicated in the UPEI Review, the findings of the investigation cannot be shared publicly due to privacy and legal reasons. UPEI has zero tolerance for any behaviours or actions that are inconsistent with our values. We deeply regret that, as an institution, we have not always lived up to our values, and failed to create a safe, respectful, and positive environment for all members of the UPEI community.

Moving Forward

The UPEI Review provides thoughtful recommendations to ensure that the University’s practices and policies are strengthened, as well as to address any current conditions that do not reflect UPEI’s values. The UPEI Board of Governors and current University leadership are very appreciative of these recommendations and commit to reviewing them and taking actions that align with their intent. Many of the recommendations involve areas in which we have made progress, including equity, diversity and inclusion, and sexual violence prevention and response. We must continue to improve, and we will.

UPEI is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and positive environment that reflects our values for all members of the University community. We are grateful for the ongoing support UPEI continues to receive from our community, donors, and alumni as we continue to advance the strategic priorities of the University.

Read the report, University of Prince Edward Island Review.