University Rector wins appeal following dismissal over comments which made students “fear for their safety”

Stella Maris, the Rector of the University of St Andrews has reportedly won her appeal after she was removed from her position on the University’s court over comments which made some students “fear for their safety”.

The University said that it is “carefully considering” the ruling and is seeking advice from legal counsel.

In November 2023, Ms Maris sent an e-mail to the University’s student body, in which she accused Israel of “genocidal attacks”. The statement came just under two months after Hamas carried out barbaric attacks in Israel on 7th October 2023, murdering over 1,200 Israelis and taking some 250 people hostage.

It is understood that before sending the e-mail, the Rector met with students from the University’s Jewish Society to discuss a statement that she had prepared regarding Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza.

However, once the e-mail was sent out, the Jewish Society published a statement online: “The Rector of St Andrews, Stella Maris, published a statement regarding the events in Israel and Gaza, which was e-mailed to all students at the University. The Rector is elected by students as a representative voice. However, her words were divisive, harmful and not based on fact. Whilst constructing this statement, [Ms] Maris met with the Jewish Society, but her published statement was significantly different to that which was shared with us, deliberately misleading members of our community […]”

It was also reported that a letter was sent to Ms Maris, signed by over 1,400 current students and alumni, which said: “We are concerned that your letter does not demonstrate equal care for Palestinian and Israeli lives. Moreover, your letter does not show any appreciation for how your inflammatory and unfounded accusations of ‘genocide,’ ‘apartheid,’ and ‘occupation’ concerning the Jewish state will further embolden attacks and hatred against the Jewish students whom you were elected to care for. It is unacceptable for the Rector to be selective in their responsibility to represent all students.”

Regarding the e-mail, the University’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, said: “We are utterly dismayed that the Rector, on this occasion, put her right to freedom of expression ahead of her duty to represent all students, and to be concerned for their welfare.”

Ms Stella responded to allegations of antisemitism online, saying that she would “not have antisemitism weaponised” against her. 

She also reportedly shared a graphic, which said, “I don’t hate Jewish people, please stop being weird,” and another that claimed Zionism is “an ideology based on racial elimination”.

An independent investigation was then launched. 

Chaired by Judge Lady Ross, then Morag Ross KC, the investigation concluded that Ms Maris had exercised “poor judgment”. 

It added that while Ms Maris had been entitled to free speech, she ignored the possibility that her comments could “encourage antisemitic behaviour by others”.

The University concluded in its investigation that Ms Maris had made some students “fear for their safety”.

Ms Maris will remain in her position as Rector until the end of her term in October 2026.

Prior to her appeal Ms Maris said: “It is clear that I have been removed from court because I called for an end to Israel’s war crimes against Palestinians, and I will not apologise for doing so. As a young, neurodiverse black woman with limited financial resources, I have faced the full force of the university, including a KC investigation, all because I made a statement supported by the overwhelming majority of students, calling for an end to a genocide.”

At the time of the initial ruling, an apology was issued by Ray Perman, the Chairman of the University’s court, to all those affected by Ms Maris’ comments.

If any students are concerned about antisemitism on campus or need assistance, they can call us on 0330 822 0321, or e-mail [email protected].