The faculty association of The University of British Columbia says the institution  shouldn’t have publicly revealed that author Steven Galloway had been suspended over “serious allegations.”

Association president Mark Mac Lean sent a memo to all faculty on Friday – saying UBC released “confidential information” when it posted a memo earlier this week –  announcing that Galloway had been suspended as chairman of the creative writing program.

Mac Lean says the high-profile author has a legal right to privacy regarding matters pertaining to his employment status – and he deeply regrets that Galloway’s  suspension has been made public.

The Dean of Arts, Gage Averill gave several media interviews this week – in which he said the university would soon identify an external investigator – hired to probe the allegations.

But today, a university spokeswoman said UBC wouldn’t provide any further details to the media – in order that the integrity of an impartial, independent investigation be maintained.

Galloway is the best-selling author of novels including The Cellist of Sarajevo, and Ascension.