St Andrews University has dismissed its rector, Stella Maris, from her roles on the institution’s governing body and as a trustee following her accusations against Israel of genocide and apartheid. The decision came after Maris sent an email to all St Andrews students in November, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. An investigation commissioned by the university, led by Morag Ross KC, concluded that while Maris’s dismissal would be “disproportionate,” the university court proceeded with her removal because she repeatedly declined to accept the investigation’s conclusions, which included claims that her statements made some students “fear for their safety.”
Ray Perman, the senior lay member and chair of the university court, emphasized that the decision was in line with charity law and the Scottish code of good higher education governance. He stressed that the move did not infringe on Maris’s freedom of speech. In her email, Maris described Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocidal” and criticized practices such as apartheid, siege, illegal occupation, and collective punishment. She also condemned war crimes by Hamas, including hostage-taking and targeting civilians.
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Ross’s report noted that while Maris’s statements had distressed some students, particularly Jewish students, others felt validated by her remarks. The report acknowledged the “clear tension” between criticizing the Israeli government and promoting peace and condemned bigotry. Although Ross concluded that Maris’s dismissal would unjustly interfere with her freedom of expression, she pointed out that terms like apartheid and genocide are politically contested and could indirectly encourage antisemitism.
Maris, who will remain rector until October 2026, expressed disappointment with the decision, arguing that it undermined the rector’s role as an independent representative of students. She attributed her removal to her stance against Israel’s actions in Gaza and highlighted her support from the majority of students. Maris cited the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion and South Africa’s case against Israel alleging genocide in Gaza as supporting her position. She announced her intention to appeal the decision with the support of the European Legal Support Center.
Maris received backing from Prof. Ghassan
Abu-Sittah, the rector of the University of Glasgow, who criticized the silencing of pro-Palestinian voices and attributed it to the ongoing conflict.
