ST ANDREWS University has said it will “robustly” defend a discrimination claim set to be made by the institution’s rector, who was removed from the governing body after calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
We previously revealed that Stella Maris, who is still in post as rector, is set to take the university to court. It is understood the case will be heard in the Court of Session, likely next year.
In November 2023, Maris sent an email to students at St Andrews University where she condemned Israel's actions as “genocidal”.
Morag Ross KC led an independent investigation which found that removing Maris from her roles at St Andrews University was “disproportionate”.
Maris was dismissed from her roles as president of the court and charity trustee on the institution’s governing body, with bosses refusing to reinstate her.
She went on to win an appeal over the decision to remove her from the roles, and despite legal issues, will retain the title and office of rector until October 2026.
On Thursday, Good Law Project revealed the latest development, adding that they would meet the costs of Maris’ legal action.
She is set to be represented by Glasgow firm Cannons Law Practice.
In response to the impending legal action, a [[St Andrews]] University 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.”
So far, a Crowdfunder started by Good Law Project to fund Maris’ legal action has raised more than £7350 at time of writing.
They aim to raise £10,000 to represent Maris and allow the law firm to “act for another high-profile victim of the campaign to silence critics of Israel’s genocide in Gaza”.
We previously told how Maris had garnered support from students on campus, more than 500 academics from universities across 17 countries, the BRISMES Committee on Academic Freedom, and the University College Union (UCU), all calling for her reinstatement.
