Stella Maris Reinstated as University Rector

Stella Maris has been reinstated as Rector of the University of St Andrews, following a dispute over stances on governance rules. Maris was dismissed as Rector earlier this year after the University stated she had refused to accept “collective responsibility”.

Stella Maris (St Andrews’ Student Association)

The role of the Rector is to chair the University Court’s meetings, the highest governing body of the University, which oversees institutional management. Since 1858, this position has been elected by the students. In addition to chairing the Court, the Rector can support students through informal influence, pastoral care, and personal intervention to handle matters that student-staff committees or formal regulations cannot address.

Stella Maris, who has served as the Rector since November 2023, is an English and Philosophy graduate of the University. Throughout her time as an undergraduate, Maris served as the Rector’s Assessor under the previous Rector, Dr Leyla Hussein. 

Maris was previously removed as Rector in August 2024 over comments regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict, after sending an email to all students referring to the “genocidal attacks” by the Israeli government shortly after commencing her role. Following an investigation, she was deemed to have “breached her responsibilities” to students, although Maris argued this decision set a "dangerous precedent for freedom of speech". She appealed against her dismissal and the Chancellor of the University ruled in her favour.

In January 2026, the University removed Maris from the University Court after allegations that she had failed to follow governance rules. The court had agreed on a series of planned changes to the structure of the governing body, including the removal of the Rector’s Assessor. Maris objected to this removal and argued that she alone had the authority to chair the University Court and should have discretion over all aspects of its meetings, despite the Senior Lay Member’s role in chairing substantive business. Lord Keen of Elie, who was asked to review the decision, said he would overturn the ruling if Maris provided an "unqualified undertaking" reversing her position.

Members of the University Court (University of St Andrews)

The Rector has now reversed her position and formally accepted that she is bound by collective responsibility, signing a declaration confirming her compliance. Maris published a letter stating that the Senior Lay Member had argued collective responsibility prohibits any expression of disagreement after a decision. However, it was argued collective responsibility cannot be a “perpetual gag” on disagreement, and Lord Keen agreed with this interpretation.

Despite her reinstatement, Maris is continuing legal action against the University. She is pursuing claims of discrimination on the grounds of protected belief and disability, and a breach of her right to free speech. Maris is seeking a formal apology and undisclosed compensation from the University.