A SCOTTISH university rector is demanding a formal apology and damages from the institution that removed her from its governing body after she called for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Stella Maris sent an email to students at St Andrews University, where she condemned Israel’s actions as “genocidal”, leading to her being dismissed from her roles as president of the court and charity trustee.
An independent investigation led by Morag Ross KC found that removing Maris from her roles at St Andrews University was “disproportionate”, but bosses refused to reinstate her.
She then went on to win an appeal in April over the decision to remove her, and will remain in post as rector until October 2026.
Maris said that while she had won the appeal the “fight was far from over”.
We told how the Good Law Project is supporting Maris to make a discrimination claim against St Andrews University, and launched a crowdfunder to help cover costs.
And now, we can reveal that Maris is seeking a formal apology and damages from the university on a number of grounds.
First, that there was a breach of her right to free expression under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights and section seven of the Human Rights Act 1998.
That she suffered direct discrimination on the basis of a protected belief, under the Equality Act 2010, and that she also suffered indirect discrimination due to her disability.
It is understood the case will be heard in the Court of Session, potentially next year.
Maris said: “I was dragged through the mud by the university’s senior leadership not for misconduct, not for failure, but for daring to speak the truth.
“For standing against the genocide in Gaza. For defending basic human rights. That was my ‘offence’.
“Let’s be clear: While I’ve been reinstated, this fight is far from over.
“What happened to me was a deliberate, calculated attempt to silence dissent – an attack not just on me, but on free speech, on moral courage, and on every student or staff member who believes a university should stand for justice.
“Accountability starts at the top. The university’s leadership must answer for this disgraceful episode, and the wider community must keep the pressure on until they do.
“To everyone who stood with me – students, academics, members of the public– thank you. Your solidarity is powerful. Let’s keep going.”
James Douglas, Good Law Project’s legal director, said: “The utterly unjust and very public removal of Stella from her role was a brazen attempt to stifle her right to free speech and make an example of her.
“The university should be taken to task for its gratuitous hounding of a young, neurodiverse black woman who did the right thing and spoke against the Israeli government’s genocide in Gaza, while condemning Hamas's terror attacks.
“Stella deserves justice and Good Law Project is very proud to be supporting her”.
A spokesperson said: “The claim that the rector was dismissed for expressing her views on Gaza and Israel is false, and Ms Maris has always been fully aware of this.
“The rector was discharged from her duties for her actions and activities after she issued her statement, and because she repeatedly refused to accept that as a member of court, she was bound by the same responsibilities and rules as all trustees.
“We will defend these latest claims fully and robustly.”
