by A university academic sacked after making comments critical of Israel at an employment tribunal has claimed discrimination based on his anti-Zionist beliefs in a landmark ruling.
It was also found that Professor David Miller was unfairly and unfairly dismissed by the University of Bristol in October 2021.
A disciplinary hearing found that the lecturer, who worked as a professor of political sociology, did not meet “the standards of conduct” expected of university staff.
Professor Miller launched employment tribunal proceedings claiming unfair dismissal, breach of contract and discrimination or victimization on the grounds of religion or belief.
At the end of the proceedings, Professor Miller claimed distinction “based on his philosophical belief that Zionism is fundamentally racist, imperialist and colonial, a characteristic protected under the Equality Act 2010”, announced his legal representatives, Rahman Lowe, Monday.
“This judgment establishes for the first time ever that anti-Zionist beliefs are protected in the workplace,” the firm said.
Professor Miller said he is “very proud” to establish that anti-Zionist views qualify as a protected religion.
“I am delighted that the Tribunal has concluded that I was unfairly and unfairly dismissed by the University of Bristol,” he said.
“I am also extremely proud that we have succeeded in establishing that anti-Zionist views qualify as a protected religion under the UK Equality Act.
“This was the most important reason for taking the case and I hope it will be a touchstone precedent in all the battles we will face with the racist and genocidal ideology of Xanism and the movement to which it belongs.
“The determination that my anti-Zionist views have taken from my case all the way through this process is a huge reflection.
“The University of Bristol argued that I was sacked because Zionist students took advantage of my various views, but the evidence of its own witnesses showed that this was not true, and it was the anti-Zionist nature of my views that the story. a determining factor.”
Zillur Rahman, who represented the academic at the tribunal, said his client is “vindicated”.
He said: “This is a significant case and this is a crucial moment in our country’s history for those who believe in upholding Palestinian rights.
“Many people who are currently being persecuted in their workplace for speaking out against the crimes of the state of Israel and the ongoing genocide in Gaza will welcome the timing of this judgment.
“I am delighted that our client, David, has been confirmed.”
The lawyer said his client will be seeking “maximum compensation” for the impact the events have had on his career.
Professor Miller attracted controversy during a lecture at the university in 2019, when he said the Zionist movement was one of five pillars driving Islamophobia in the UK, the tribunal heard.
The University of Bristol later received a complaint from the charity Community Security Trust, which said the lecture was a “false, false anti-Semitic tirade”.
After investigating the complaint, no further action was taken against Scottish-born Professor Miller.
But further complaints were made to the university about him after he took part in an event called “Building the campaign for free speech” in February 2021, where he spoke about public criticism for his views on Palestine and Israel.
As a result disciplinary proceedings were launched which culminated in his dismissal in October 2021.
The University of Bristol said in a statement that it accepts the tribunal’s judgment but is “disappointed by its findings”.
The statement continued: “After a full investigation and careful deliberation, the university has concluded that Dr Miller did not meet the standards of conduct we expect from staff in relation to the comments he made in February 2021 about students and about the student associations associated with the university.
“As a result and taking into account our responsibilities towards our students and the wider university community, his employment has been terminated.
“We recognize that these matters are of great concern to many, and that the members of our community have very different views.
“Therefore, we would encourage everyone to respond in a responsible and sensitive manner in the current environment.”
The university added: “The University of Bristol remains committed to fostering a positive working and learning environment that enriches lives and preserves the fundamental principles of academic freedom.
“The university is undertaking a careful review of the tribunal’s lengthy judgment and in light of that review, it would not be appropriate to comment further.”
