University judge upholds dismissal of professor based on anti-Zionist opinions
In a landmark ruling, an employment tribunal in the UK has established that anti-Zionist beliefs can be considered a protected philosophical belief under the Equality Act 2010. This significant decision was made in favour of Professor David Miller, a political sociology professor, in his dispute with the University of Bristol.
Professor Miller, who had accused Israel of wanting to "impose [its] will all over the world," was dismissed by the University in 2021. He launched employment tribunal proceedings claiming unfair dismissal, breach of contract, and discrimination or victimisation on grounds of religion or belief.
The tribunal found that Miller's dismissal was not due to Zionist students being offended by his remarks but rather the anti-Zionist nature of his comments. It was acknowledged that anti-Zionism is a philosophical belief that can be protected under Section 10 of the Equality Act 2010. Consequently, Miller was found to have experienced discrimination based on his beliefs and was unfairly dismissed by Bristol University.
This ruling marks a significant precedent, as it explicitly acknowledges "anti-Zionism" as a philosophical belief deserving protection, aligning it with other protected beliefs under the Act. It means that anti-Zionist views cannot legally be grounds for unfair treatment or dismissal in UK workplaces under the equality framework.
However, the case was also controversial, with some groups raising concerns about the nature of Miller's statements and whether they crossed into antisemitism. Despite these concerns, the legal recognition pertains strictly to his anti-Zionist beliefs as a protected characteristic under the law.
The University of Bristol, in response to the judgment, expressed disappointment and is reviewing the tribunal's findings carefully. The institution maintains that it terminated Miller's employment due to his failure to meet the expected standards of behaviour regarding comments made in February 2021 about students and student societies linked to the University.
The decision was hailed by free speech advocates as a "key victory for free speech and academic freedom." Rahman Lowe Solicitors, Miller's representatives, called the judgment a "significant triumph."
As of mid-2025, this ruling stands as the leading legal authority on the matter in UK employment law. No other cases or legislation currently supersede or contradict this ruling, making it the definitive statement on the legal status of anti-Zionist beliefs in UK workplaces.
[1] References would be added in a formal article, but for the sake of brevity, they have been omitted here.
- This landmark ruling in the UK has classified anti-Zionist beliefs as a protected philosophical belief under the Equality Act 2010, aligning it with other protected beliefs.
- The decision can have far-reaching implications in education-and-self-development and politics, as it ensures that anti-Zionist views cannot legally be grounds for unfair treatment or dismissal in UK workplaces.
- The case generated general-news debate, with some contending that Miller's statements, though protected, could potentially cross into antisemitism.
- Analysts and education-and-self-development stakeholders are anticipating the impact of this ruling on the broader discourse on Palestine and Israel in academic and professional settings.
