Steven Galloway Testifies About Faculty‑Student Relationship at UBC

Canadian novelist Steven Galloway appeared before a Vancouver court to address allegations of a romantic relationship with a former student while he was a faculty member in the University of British Columbia’s arts program. Galloway said he was "shocked" by the accusations and emphasized that the breakup with the student was "amicable," adding that he felt ashamed about the affair but noted that no formal university policy prohibited faculty‑staff relationships at the time. The testimony also touched on broader concerns, with Galloway acknowledging that similar faculty‑student relationships have occurred within the program. While the accuser has threatened a lawsuit seeking up to three million dollars for defamation, Galloway’s statements focused on his personal remorse and the lack of clear institutional guidance. The court hearing is part of an ongoing legal dispute that could have implications for how Canadian universities manage power dynamics between staff and students.