UK tribunal upholds ruling on professor's anti-Zionist beliefs as protected under Equality Act

A UK Employment Appeal Tribunal has affirmed that a former University of Bristol professor's specific anti-Zionist beliefs are protected under the Equality Act 2010. Dr. David Miller, who taught political sociology, was dismissed in October 2021 for gross misconduct related to comments made about Zionism and the Israeli state. These comments included characterizing political Zionism as inherently racist and imperialistic, and suggesting it fosters Islamophobia.

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the enemy we face here is Zionism and the imperial policies of the Israeli state

The tribunal's decision clarifies that while not all anti-Zionist expressions are automatically protected, those that meet the established legal criteria for philosophical beliefs can be. The Employment Appeal Tribunal found that Miller's stated beliefs satisfied the five criteria for protection, including being "worthy of respect in a democratic society." The tribunal also accepted that Miller did not advocate for violence as a means to oppose Zionism.

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Zionism is ended

Furthermore, the Appeal Tribunal upheld the finding that Miller's dismissal was discriminatory, deeming it a disproportionate response by the university. However, the ruling does not grant blanket protection to all anti-Zionist employees, nor does it prevent employers from dismissing staff for such beliefs if justified. The original tribunal had acknowledged that the University of Bristol had legitimate aims in dismissing Miller, such as protecting its reputation and ensuring the safety of students and staff, but concluded that disciplinary action short of dismissal could have been appropriate.

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Zionism is racism