2 May 2025
In November 2023 the Vice-Chancellor of St. Andrew University was apparently embarrassed by a statement by the recently elected Rector condemning Israel’s massive bombing assault on the captive population of Gaza and the denial of food, water, electricity and medical supplies. While acknowledging the illegality of Hamas’ assault and kidnapping of civilians on 7 October, Stella Maris, the Rector, described Israel’s brutal and indiscriminate reaction as genocidal, which no doubt prompted angry protests from Zionists to the V-C and University management. The Vice-Chancellor reacted by calling for Stella Maris to be suspended from the Court, as a trustee of the University and from her public functions such as participating in graduation ceremonies. The “great and good” of the Court duly endorsed the V-C’s request. BRICUP twice protested this high-handed decision, on the second occasion submitting a petition signed by over 500 academics. Belatedly, the Chancellor of the University, Lord Campbell of Pittenweem, the former leader of the Lib Dem party Menzies Campbell, has decided that the Court’s decision was excessive and that Stella Maris should be restored to her full and unqualified role as Rector. We can hope that this decision will cause other universities to reconsider their suppression of campus debate on Palestine and Israel’s crimes against the Palestinians. The following is a report from The Herald.
Stella Maris wins appeal over St Andrews University Gaza row
The rector of St Andrews University, who was stripped of her formal powers following remarks she made about Gaza has won her appeal.
Stella Maris was dismissed from the institution’s governing body and her position as a trustee after accusing Israel of genocide and apartheid in its treatment of Palestinians.
In her role as rector she sent a message to all 10,000 students at the university describing Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocidal” and accused it of “apartheid, siege, illegal occupation and collective punishment”.
The rector also condemned “war crimes” committed by Hamas including the taking of hostages and the targeting of civilians, while calling for a ceasefire.
The university opened an investigation, which made clear that it did not believe dismissal to be an appropriate sanction despite acknowledging that she had used “poor judgement” and that subsequent social media posts she had made “inflamed” tensions.
The report, prepared by Morag Ross QC, concluded: “In my view, if the Court is satisfied that there is a breach, dismissal would be a disproportionate response.
“The Statement was a single issue. It contained a disclaimer. Division in the University was not entirely due to the Statement. Dismissal would interfere with Ms Maris’ rights to freedom of expression in an unjustified way. Again, any decision on sanction is a matter for the Court.”
Ms Maris appealed against the decision, and she has now been successful in that appeal.
The newspaper reports that Menzies Campbell, chancellor of the University of St Andrews, has ruled in her favour.
She will now be able to resume her full role as rector, including as head of the university’s court.
In a personal statement following the ruling, Ms Maris said: “This decision is not only a vindication of my position but a defence of the fundamental principles of free expression and democratic accountability within our universities.
“Universities must remain places where individuals are free to speak out against injustice, especially where that speech is grounded in humanitarian concern and moral conscience in line with the principles of international human rights.
“I am grateful to the many students, academics, and members of the public who stood in solidarity with me over the past months. I intend to continue campaigning to ensure the right to political expression and academic freedom.”
Human rights groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have accused the nation of genocide, while South Africa has brought a case based on the allegation to the International Court of Justice. A ruling is not expected for several years.
In addition, the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as former minister of defence Yoav Gallant for alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Ben Jamal, Director, Palestine Solidarity Campaign said: “This is an important victory for all students and academic staff. From Trump in the US to repressive actions by some universities in Britain, it shows that those seeking to silence support for Palestinian human rights will not succeed. PSC has proudly supported Rector Stella Maris in her fight against attempts to undermine freedom of expression and academic freedom, both of which should be cornerstones of university life. The University of St Andrews and other universities should be speaking up for international law and human rights, not trying to shield Israel from accountability for its escalating genocidal violence against Palestinians.”
Tasnima Uddin, from the European Legal Support Center, said: “This victory is a clear rebuke to the growing pattern of repression facing those who speak out for Palestinian freedom. For 570 days, Israel has carried out a genocide in Gaza, targeting universities, hospitals, and civilians, yet St Andrews chose to punish its Rector for calling for a ceasefire.
“This case shows the disturbing pattern of Zionist lobby groups’ use of legal threats, coordinated smear campaigns, and institutional pressure to dox and intimidate Palestine solidarity in academia, but also show the cowardice of universities to stand up against those pressures and protect the fundamental rights of their staff and students.
“The reinstatement of Stella Maris proves that the attempt to quash this mass movement will not succeed and legal means will continue to be used to challenge censorship, defend fundamental rights, and expose the complicity in Israeli apartheid and settler-colonial violence.”
A University of St Andrews spokesperson said: “As the body that made the decision to dismiss the Rector, University Court is carefully considering the Chancellor’s decision and taking advice from Counsel.
“This issue was never about free speech and only ever about governance. Ms Maris remains Rector of the University and has done so throughout.”
