Rector Reinstated Following Governance Dispute
The rector of St Andrews University, Stella Maris, who was removed from her role on the university's governing body due to a dispute with management, has been reinstated after she revised her position on governance rules.
Maris was ousted as president of the university's court in January after the institution cited her refusal to adhere to its rules on "collective responsibility." The university stated that Maris "refused to accept she was bound by collective responsibility" and believed she "should have absolute discretion" over all aspects of managing its meetings.
Legal Review and Reinstatement
Judge Lord Keen of Elie was asked to review the decision to remove Maris. He indicated he would overturn the ruling if Maris provided an "unqualified undertaking" to reverse her stance on collective responsibility.
Following this, Maris was reinstated last week after submitting a written statement to the university, formally committing to be bound by collective responsibility as a member of the court.
Background on Previous Removal and Appeal
Maris had previously been removed from the university court in August 2024 due to comments she made regarding the Israel-Gaza war but successfully appealed that decision nine months later.
Shortly after her election in October 2023, she sent an email to all students referring to "genocidal attacks" by the Israeli government. An investigation concluded that she had "breached her responsibilities" to students. However, Maris argued that the investigation set a "dangerous precedent for freedom of speech."
She appealed against her dismissal as president of the university court, and the university chancellor ruled in her favor.
Details of the January Dismissal
Her second dismissal, which occurred in January, followed her objections to a series of planned changes to the composition of the institution's governing body.
The university court claimed that Maris "refused to accept she was bound by collective responsibility" and asserted that she believed she "should have absolute discretion" over all aspects of managing its meetings.
Lord Keen's Ruling
Lord Keen's ruling emphasized that removing an elected rector from the university court should be a measure of last resort, taken only if no other reasonable options are available.
He said he considered that the rector was bound by collective responsibility as a member of the court and if Maris was willing to accept that for the remainder of her term in office he would quash the previous decision to remove her.
Current Status and Term
Maris, a former St Andrews student, will retain the title and office of rector until her term expires in October 2026.
