St Andrews University rector powers removed after Gaza conflict comments
Stella Maris had previously accused Israel of committing genocide
Last updated 1st Aug 2024
St Andrews' University rector has been stripped of her senior powers after her comments on the Gaza conflict.
Stella Maris had previously accused Israel of committing genocide and an independent investigation found she had made some students "fear for their safety”.
She has also been removed as a charity trustee.
Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, Principal of the University of St Andrews, said: “We can disagree passionately on the most difficult issues, but it should always be with courtesy and respect for those whose views may differ from our own.
“In large part, our community in St Andrews has responded to this terrible conflict and the abhorrent loss of innocent civilian life with strong, reasoned argument and commitment, but always consideration for the effects of their actions on others, and our students in particular, deserve significant recognition for that.
“I believe that we can all learn from what has happened over the past few months, and that the values of listening, tolerance and respect will become even more important to our University community.”
The decision to discharge Ms Maris is the conclusion of a lengthy process which began in November 2023 when the Rector issued a message to all 10,000 St Andrews students offering her personal opinions on the conflict in Gaza and Israel.
She then published a series of posts on social media, some of which the independent investigation found were “discourteous and disrespectful” in the way in which they dismissed fears raised by students who had contacted her seeking reassurance.