Acclaimed novelist suspended at UBC

Steven Galloway, an acclaimed Canadian novelist, has been suspended as professor and chair of the University of British Columbia’s creative writing program.

In a memo to staff and students, dean of arts Gage Averill said Galloway was suspended with pay after “serious allegations came to the attention of the creative writing program and the dean’s office.”

Galloway is the author of four novels, including The Cellist of Sarajevo, which was a national bestseller.

“We’re in the process of finding an external investigator, someone from outside the community, so that there’s no concern about their proximity to the issues,” Averill told the Star.

“This is not a police matter. We have not been in contact or been asked to have any contact with the police.” Averill said he could not comment on the nature of the allegations or even how many complainants are involved.

“We’re in a position right now where we’re dealing with allegations. Nothing has been determined in regards to Professor Galloway, certainly not any finding of fault. So we want to protect his rights, understand the allegations and respond to them,” Averill said.