News / University of Bristol
Professor ‘unfairly dismissed’ from Bristol Uni due to anti-Zionist beliefs
The University of Bristol says it is “disappointed” with an employment tribunal judgement that found a professor was “unfairly dismissed” for his anti-Zionist beliefs.
Bristol Employment Tribunal ruled that David Miller’s views “qualified as a philosophical belief and as a protected characteristic” within the Equality Act.
Dr Miller was sacked a few months after a free speech seminar in 2021 when he called Israel “a violent, racist, foreign regime engaged in ethnic cleansing”, later saying that Jewish students who had protested against his comments were Israel’s “pawns”.
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The sociology professor, who had worked at the University of Bristol since 2019, said that the judgement “is not just a victory for me, but also a victory for pro-Palestine campaigners across Britain”.
He said: “Over many years, anti-Zionists have faced harassment and censorship in Britain due to the efforts of the Israel lobby. Many people have faced disciplinary procedures and lost their jobs for manifesting their anti-Zionist beliefs.
“Before I took my case, it was unclear whether a belief in the idea that Zionism is a racist, imperialist, and colonial ideology could be protected under the Equality Act 2010 as a philosophical belief.
“I’m proud to say that, with this case, we have proven that anti-Zionist beliefs, of the sort that I articulated, should be protected.
“I hope this case will become a touchstone precedent in all the future battles that we face with the racist and genocidal ideology of Zionism and the movement to which it is attached.
“The determination that I was sacked for my anti-Zionist beliefs is a vindication of the case I made all the way through this process.
“The University of Bristol maintained that I was sacked because Zionist students were offended by my various remarks.
“However, it was plain from the evidence provided by the university’s own witnesses, that I was sacked because of the anti-Zionist nature of my comments.
“This verdict is also a vindication of the approach I have taken throughout this period, which is to say that a genocidal and maximalist Zionism can only be effectively confronted by a maximalist anti-Zionism.
“The self-justifying and defensive approach of the sort illustrated by many on the left and even in the Palestine Solidarity movement will not work.
“The Zionist movement cannot be negotiated with. It must be defeated.”
A University of Bristol spokesperson said: “The University of Bristol acknowledges the judgment of the Employment Tribunal but is disappointed with its findings.
“After a full investigation and careful deliberation, the University concluded that Dr Miller did not meet the standards of behaviour we expect from our staff in relation to comments he made in February 2021 about students and student societies linked to the University.
“As a result and considering our responsibilities to our students and the wider University community, his employment was terminated.
“We recognise that these matters have caused deep concern for many, and that members of our community hold very different views from one another.
“We would, therefore, encourage everyone to respond in a responsible and sensitive way in the current climate.
“The University of Bristol remains committed to fostering a positive working and learning environment that enriches lives and where the essential principles of academic freedom are preserved.
“The University is reviewing the tribunal’s lengthy judgment carefully and in light of that review, it would not be appropriate to comment further.”
Zillur Rahman of Rahman Lowe who represented Dr Miller, added: “This is a landmark case and marks a pivotal moment in the history of our country for those who believe in upholding the rights of Palestinians.
“The timing of this Judgment will be welcomed by many who at present are facing persecution in their workplaces for speaking out against the crimes of the Israeli state.
“I am delighted for our client, David, who has been vindicated.
“His courage in fighting against the vicious campaign that was waged against him by Zionists within and outside the university, now sees him as a trailblazer for others that will follow.
“What is interesting about this case is that when David expressed his beliefs about Zionism which led to him being dismissed, they weren’t that widely known.
“However, the genocide Israel is committing at present, has woken the world up to the very belief David holds and was manifesting, which is that Zionism is inherently racist and must be opposed.
“Whilst I am happy for David, it is clear that what took place has had, and will continue to have an impact on his career.
“As a result, we will be seeking maximum compensation for the losses he has suffered and the hurt caused by the discrimination.”
Main photo: 5 Pillars / YouTube
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