The rector of the University of St Andrews, who was stripped of her position on its governing body after accusing Israel of genocide, has won her appeal against the university.

Stella Maris was removed from her role as a trustee earlier this year after an independent investigation found that a letter she wrote to students accusing Israel of committing “war crimes” in Gaza had provoked “anxiety and fear” among Jewish students.

The university’s chancellor, Menzies Campbell, ruled in favour of her appeal on 29 April, meaning that she will be able to continue in her role as head of the university’s court.

Maris, a St Andrews graduate, called the ruling not only a “vindication of my position, but a defence of the fundamental principles of free expression and democratic accountability within our universities”, .��

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She added: “Universities must remain places where individuals are free to speak out against injustice, especially where that speech is grounded in humanitarian concern and moral conscience in line with the principles of international human rights.

“I am grateful to the many students, academics, and members of the public who stood in solidarity with me over the past months. I intend to continue campaigning to ensure the right to political expression and academic freedom.”

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A St Andrews spokesperson said the university court, as the body that made the decision to dismiss Maris, “is carefully considering the chancellor’s decision and taking advice from counsel”.��

“This issue was never about free speech and only ever about governance. Ms Maris remains rector of the University and has done so throughout,” they added.

Maris was previously barred from attending university graduations in December, which she dubbed an “unjustified restriction on my ability to carry out my responsibilities as…elected rector”.

juliette.rowsell@timeshighereducation.com