An employment tribunal in the United Kingdom has confirmed that Professor David Miller was unlawfully fired by the University of Bristol due to his criticism of Zionism, establishing anti-Zionism as a legally protected belief in the UK. The Employment Appeal Tribunal's ruling, published on Tuesday, stated that Miller's dismissal in October 2021 was a result of him expressing "protected philosophical beliefs."

The tribunal found that "the decision to dismiss the claimant and the refusal of his appeal against that dismissal were each found to be unlawful acts of direct discrimination," adding that "the dismissal was held to be unfair, and wrongful." This ruling affirms a previous decision made in February 2024 by an employment tribunal which had also found Miller's dismissal to be unfair.

Professor Miller, who worked as a professor of political sociology at the University of Bristol since 2018, had challenged his sacking, claiming unfair dismissal, breach of contract, and discrimination or victimisation on grounds of religion or belief. He had previously described some Jewish student groups as "political lobby groups" and expressed opposition to "Jewish students on British campuses being used as political pawns by a violent, racist foreign regime engaged in ethnic cleansing."

Miller told Al Jazeera that the ruling is a significant victory, stating it will make it "very, very difficult for any employer" in the UK to dismiss or target individuals for holding anti-Zionist views. He believes the decision will encourage others to speak out against Zionism without fear of reprisal.

The University of Bristol expressed disappointment with the findings, asserting its commitment to protecting free speech when "exercised appropriately and in line with our codes of conduct." The university had appealed the initial tribunal ruling, but the latest decision has reinforced the unlawful and discriminatory nature of Miller's dismissal.

This legal confirmation implicitly distinguishes anti-Zionism from anti-Semitism, which is prejudice against Jewish people. The tribunal's decision means that holding anti-Zionist views, when expressed in a manner that does not incite violence or threaten safety, is a protected characteristic under UK law.

Miller suggested that a "pressure campaign from external Zionist organisations and Zionist student organisations" contributed to his dismissal. The tribunal's latest ruling appears to have dismissed the university's appeal against the initial finding that Miller's comments were lawful and not anti-Semitic.

The case highlights the complex legal landscape surrounding political beliefs, free speech, and protected characteristics in the workplace, particularly concerning ideologies related to national identity and historical territories.