Stella Maris Fully Reinstated as Rector After Winning Appeal

As revealed to The Courier, Rector Stella Maris has won her appeal against the University of St Andrews’ Court’s decision in August 2024 to dismiss her as Charity Trustee and President of the Court. 

Maris will now be restored to her full position as Rector of the University of St Andrews and calls for Dame Sally Mapstone, the University Principal, to “be probed for trying to silence pro-Palestinian voices”.

Maris stated, “This decision is not only a vindication of my position but a defence of the fundamental principles of free expression 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.”

In November 2023, Maris issued a university-wide email, describing Israeli actions in Gaza as “genocidal” and condemning Hamas for committing “war crimes”. The University decided to launch an independent investigation into her words and actions surrounding this statement. The investigation, released to the public on 29 July 2024, did not advise dismissal. Yet, two days later, the University Court announced their decision to dismiss her, on the basis that Maris had refused to accept the outcome of the investigation. Maris denied this in an exclusive interview with The Saint. 

Maris’ appeal against the Court’s decision has finally concluded after months of waiting. University Chancellor Menzies Campbell, former Liberal Democrats leader, ruled in Maris’ favour in April.

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), described as Europe’s largest Palestinian rights organisation, posted about Maris’ appeal on X, calling the result a “MAJOR VICTORY!” 

“The PSC was proud to support the Rector alongside the European Legal Support centre, in her fight against the university’s discriminatory attempts to undermine freedom of expression and academic freedom.Whilst repression against human rights advocates increases, from Trump’s deportations in the US to crackdowns on protest in Britain, this important victory shows that those seeking to silence support for Palestinian rights will not succeed.”

According to The National, Tasnima Uddin, from the European Legal Support Center, also welcomed the ruling, stating, “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 spokesperson has 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.”

As this story continues to break, this article shall be periodically updated.

Photo by University of St Andrews