Rector of Scottish University St Andrews sacked from 2 posts over email accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza
London: The rector of Scotland's University of St Andrews criticized the decision to remove him from two roles at the institution in an email in which he accused Israel of genocide.
Stella Maris was removed from the university's governing body and removed as a trustee after the email, which was sent to all students in November and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
In the email, he also accused Israel of practicing “apartheid, siege, illegal occupation and collective punishment” against Palestinians.
She also acknowledged and condemned Hamas' “war crimes”, including what she said were “hostage-taking and deliberate targeting of civilians”.
A statement issued by the university on Thursday said: “The Court of the University of St Andrews has informed the University Rector Ms Stella Maris that she will be relieved of her role as President of the Court and Trustee of the Charity.
“The court's determination was made after the rector repeatedly refused to accept the findings of an independent investigation which found that he had caused some students at St Andrews to fear for their safety, and that his actions and activities breached his responsibilities and legal obligations as a member of the court and a charity trustee. “
It added that Maris had “no choice but to discharge” the post, but that she would retain her position as rector until her term ends in October 2026.
The statement also said: “(The) court wishes to emphasize that this decision does not affect Ms. Maris's freedom of expression, which she is entitled to and for which she, like everyone else, is personally accountable. We believe that parts of the Rector's statement are relevant to students affected by the conflict in Gaza. were an important source of comfort.
Maris said she was disappointed by the decision, which she claimed showed a “lack of respect” for the chancellor's role in speaking up for students and set a “dangerous precedent for free speech” in British higher education, The Guardian newspaper reported.
“It is clear that I was removed from the university court because I called for an end to Israel's war crimes against the Palestinians, and I do not apologize for doing so,” Maris said.
“As a young, neurodiverse black woman with limited financial resources, I faced the full force of the university, including the Casey investigation, because I made a statement that was supported by the majority of students, calling for an end to genocide.”
