University of Victoria fires long-serving professor Robert Gifford after sexual harassment probe

The University of Victoria (UVic) has terminated the employment of Robert Gifford, a world-recognized environmental psychologist, after an investigation concluded he engaged in inappropriate conduct toward two women — one a graduate student and the other a junior scholar.

Gifford, 78, had taught at UVic since 1979 and was celebrated for pioneering research in environmental psychology, including studies on climate anxiety and human–environment interactions. But according to recent Labour Relations Board (LRB) rulings, the professor was dismissed in June 2024 following findings of “repeated harm to junior scholars” and a lack of accountability regarding his responsibilities as a senior academic.

The case stemmed from two incidents. In 2018, Gifford emailed a visiting student suggesting they share a hotel room at a conference, adding that “everything beyond the mere sharing of the room is to be decided on a completely mutual basis.” The student declined, emphasizing she wanted to remain “strictly professional.” In 2021, Gifford admitted telling a graduate student he was “attracted” to her, a remark he now acknowledges as a mistake.

Suspended after the 2021 incident, Gifford was eventually reinstated but later investigated over the earlier hotel-room email. “Had the 2018 incident come up in 2018, I never would have said to the student two years later, ‘I’m attracted to you,’” Gifford told CBC, saying he has been “devastated” by the dismissal.

The UVic Faculty Association declined to take his grievance to arbitration, citing limited prospects of success. In its decision, the Labour Relations Board upheld the university’s handling of the case, finding the investigation was fair and based on undisputed evidence.

UVic, citing privacy laws, did not comment on the details but said in a statement that termination is “not a step we take lightly” and reflects the serious nature of the concerns. The university reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a safe and respectful campus.

Gifford, a member of the Royal Society of Canada, has not ruled out seeking a judicial review in B.C. Supreme Court, though he says the cost could be prohibitive.