David Miller (sociologist)

This article is about the British sociologist. For the British political theorist, see David Miller (political theorist).

David Miller (born 1964) is a British sociologist whose research and publications focus on Islamophobia[1] and propaganda. Miller was Professor of Sociology at the University of Strathclyde (2004–2011)[2] and the University of Bath (2011–2018) and was Professor of Political Sociology at the University of Bristol (2018–2021).[3] He is the co-founder and co-director of the non-profit company Public Interest Investigations (PII).[4]

One of his lectures at the University of Bristol led to complaints, including from students, with allegations of antisemitism and the spreading of conspiracy theories. Although Miller was, according to Jonathan Cook in Mondoweiss, cleared of the allegations,[5] a further investigation was launched as a result of comments he made about both Israel and Jewish student groups.[6] The investigation found that Miller's comments were not unlawful but, despite this, his employment by the university was terminated in October 2021 because it was deemed he had not met the standards of behaviour expected of staff.[7][8][9][10][11][excessive citations]

On 5 February 2024, an employment tribunal found that Miller was unfairly dismissed and subjected to discrimination because his "anti-Zionist beliefs qualified as a philosophical belief and as a protected characteristic pursuant to section 10 Equality Act 2010".[12][13][14]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference BPost was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference RG was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference theguardian.com was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference NS2021 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Cook, Jonathan (7 October 2021). "After success against Corbyn, Israel lobby ousts UK scholar". Mondoweiss. Retrieved 8 November 2021.
  6. ^ "Bristol University: Professor David Miller investigation launched". BBC News. 17 March 2021. Retrieved 8 November 2021.
  7. ^ "University of Bristol Statement on Professor David Miller". University of Bristol. The investigation included an independent report from a leading Queen's Counsel who considered the important issue of academic freedom of expression and found that Professor Miller's comments did not constitute unlawful speech.
  8. ^ Bloch, Ben (1 October 2021). "Bristol University professor sacked amid antisemitism accusations". BristolLive. Retrieved 3 December 2021.
  9. ^ Hall, Rachel (1 October 2021). "Bristol University sacks professor accused of antisemitic comments". the Guardian. Retrieved 3 December 2021.
  10. ^ "Bristol University: Professor David Miller sacked over Israel comments". BBC News. 1 October 2021. Retrieved 1 October 2021.
  11. ^ Ferrer, Richard; Robinson, Freya; Walters, Louisa; Galbinski, Alex; Grant, Brigit (16 February 2021). "Professor David Miller sacked 'with immediate effect' by Bristol University". Jewish News. Retrieved 3 December 2021.
  12. ^ "'Landmark case': UK judge rules in favour of university professor sacked for anti-Zionist views". Middle East Eye.
  13. ^ Clarence-Smith, Louisa (5 February 2024). "Bristol University professor sacked for anti-Zionist views wins discrimination case". The Telegraph – via www.telegraph.co.uk.
  14. ^ Cite error: The named reference et-20240205 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).