A U.K. tribunal has ruled that Prof. David Miller’s firing by the University of Bristol in 2021, for expressing anti-Zionist views, constituted illegal discrimination.
The decision was greeted as a “significant triumph” by his lawyers. “Professor Miller successfully claimed discrimination based on his philosophical belief that Zionism is inherently racist, imperialist, and colonial, a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, alongside a finding of unfair dismissal,” reads the firm’s press release. “This judgment establishes for the first time ever that anti-Zionist beliefs are protected in the workplace.”
“This is just as much your victory as it is mine,” writes Miller in an X post. “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.”
Miller’s firing followed such statements from Miller as concluding that Israel intends to “impose [its] will all over the world” and his referring to Gaza as an open air prison.
The University spokesperson is quoted by the Jewish Chronicle as saying, “After a full investigation and careful deliberation, the University concluded that Dr. Miller did not meet the standards of behavior 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.” It has the gall to add: “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.”
