What is the Students’ Association saying about the dismissal of the Rector? 

The Students’ Association, an independent charity dedicated to the students of St Andrews, comprises various parts including staff, governing Board, student officers, and multiple student committees such as the Students’ Representative Council (SRC), Mermaids, and Debates. The Association itself remains neutral and has not issued a statement on the dismissal of the Rector. However, some officers have made statements and other parts of the organisation may follow. 

Why haven’t the SRC spoken or been consulted? 

The University's decision coincided with a period when SRC officers were away and no meetings were scheduled. Consequently, there has been no immediate discussion on the matter. An emergency meeting is being arranged to address this when the semester begins. 

Who are these statements from, then? 

The statements have come from two sets of student officers: 

1. Sabbatical Officers on University Court: These officers, as University trustees, are bound by precedent, confidentiality, and collective responsibility, limiting what they can say. 

1. Association Sabbatical Officers not on University Court: These officers felt the need to speak out to address potential distress and confusion among students due to the silence from elected officers. 

What are these Sabbatical Officers saying about the Rector’s email? 

The Sabbatical Officers who are on the University Court are unable to comment on the Rector’s original email or its impact, as it is under the jurisdiction of the University Court. They acknowledge that the KC appointed by the Court did not consider the original email  or the Rector’s subsequent social media activities as grounds for dismissal in themselves, although the KC indicated that Court should look at sanctions short of dismissal.  However, the University clarified that the dismissal is due to matters related to the Rector’s response to the report on the email, specifically her refusal to acknowledge or accept any shortcomings in her own behaviour. 

Isn’t that a serious matter too? 

The Sabbaticals who do not sit on Court, only know the public details and are aware that the Rector disputes some statements and conclusions, intending to appeal the decision.  

To avoid prejudicing the appeal, the Sabbaticals who sit on Court are unable to comment further on these issues. They have raised questions about the process which they hope will be addressed in the appeal. 

The Sabbaticals who can comment believe that dismissing the Rector, elected by students in a free and fair election, is a serious step setting a dangerous precedent. They disagree with the University Court’s stance, which considers the dismissal the only option. 

What will happen next? 

The Sabbatical Officers are consulting with other elected student officers, committees, and societies to gather their views. This input will shape any further actions or statements. They are also providing practical support for the Rector to discharge the other aspects of her role, despite her dismissal from Court. 

The SRC had previously passed motions, namely the Motion on Palestine and the Motion on Combatting Antisemitism, which include actions to support affected students and educate our community. These actions will continue regardless of the recent University Court announcement. The Sabbaticals remain in discussions with the University to ensure the safety and well-being of all students on campus. 

The Students’ Association will keep its members informed about all related developments.