Become a Member
UK

St Andrews University rector dismissed after ‘Gaza genocide’ comments

The university dismisses unapologetic rector as president of its governing body after ‘disrespectful’ comments

August 2, 2024 10:32
stellamaris2.jpg
Stella Maris, rector of the University of St Andrews
2 min read

The rector of St Andrews University has been dismissed from its governing body after she condemned Israel’s “genocidal attacks” on Gaza.

Stella Maris’s statement to all students at the university last November caused “anxiety and fear” for some Jewish students, a situation that the university said gave it no choice but to remove her.

In her email to students, Maris described Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocidal” and condemned “apartheid, siege, illegal occupation and collective punishment”. In the following weeks, she wrote social media posts that were found to be “discourteous and disrespectful”.

The university commissioned an investigation by Lady Morag Ross KC into Maris’s comments. The barrister found that some Jewish students were distressed and “feared for their safety” after receiving the email. Ross’s report said other students felt “validated and heard” by Maris.