Laurier releases statement in Peterson lawsuit

WATERLOO — Wilfrid Laurier University has released its statement of defence in a lawsuit initiated by University of Toronto Prof. Jordan Peterson earlier this year.

Peterson’s $1.5-million lawsuit alleges leaked comments made about him by three Laurier staff in a private meeting with teaching assistant Lindsay Shepherd last fall were defamatory, but the school argues the university and co-defendants were not responsible for creating or releasing the audio, that Peterson had prior knowledge the audio recording would be released, and that Peterson has experienced “significantly increased financial and professional success” since the recording went public.

The statement of defence was filed on behalf of the university and former staff member Adria Joel, who was employed on a limited-term contract at the time of the meeting. The other two co-defendants, professors Nathan Rambukkana and Herbert Pimlott, are being represented by separate counsel and will file their own statement of defence, the school said in a written statement.

“As previously stated, the university intends to vigorously defend itself against this lawsuit,” the statement reads.

The claims have not been tested in court, and Laurier is asking that damages awarded to Peterson, if any, will not exceed $100,000.

Efforts to contact Peterson’s lawyer about the statement of defence went unanswered.