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Investigation launched into alleged academic freedom violations at Thompson Rivers University

(Ottawa— 31 October, 2018) The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) has established an investigation into the case of Professor Derek Pyne at Thompson Rivers University to determine if his academic freedom was violated.

In April 2017, Professor Pyne published an article exploring the use of so-called “predatory publishers” by faculty members and administrators in the School of Business and Economics at Thompson Rivers. He says he was subsequently targeted by the Administration in violation of his academic freedom.

Professor Pyne has been suspended by the University since July.

Dr. Mark Mac Lean (Mathematics) of the University of British Columbia will chair the investigatory committee. Carla Graebner (Librarian for Data Services and Government Information) of Simon Fraser University will also serve on the committee.

Media contact

Lisa Keller, Communications Officer, Canadian Association of University Teachers; 613-726-5186 (o); 613-222-3530 (c); keller@caut.ca