New St Andrews University rector says “racism, sexism and any unfair discrimination” needs to be rooted out

Dr Leyla Hussein was elected earlier this week to be the university’s new rector.

Dr Hussein is a Somali-born British psychotherapist and an international lecturer on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and gender rights. She was awarded an OBE in the 2019 Birthday Honours list for services to tackling FGM.

Dr Hussein said she was both “surprised and humbled” at being elected rector and said she promises “to represent all students and to listen to all views and ideas”.

“I am immensely proud to be the first black woman elected as rector and I also know that I am following in the footsteps of many greatly distinguished people who have held this position,” she wrote on her website.

“I have a lot to live up to and one thing I want to be very clear about is that I am not here to be a token black woman or to tick a box on a diversity check list.

“I am thrilled if I am an inspiring role model for black girls, but I want to be a good role model for all young people and I stood in this election to be a great rector and strong advocate for the students at St Andrews.

“Hopefully, my appointment represents a positive step forward for St Andrews, but it is only one step in a long journey. As a community we need to work together to root out racism, sexism, and any unfair discrimination wherever we find it.

“I am glad that St Andrews has already committed to removing barriers for disadvantaged students, increasing diversity, and improving support for BAME students and staff.

“Now this must be delivered and we need to look beyond our differences to what we share and what brings us together: our passion for learning; a desire to improve ourselves and the world we live in; and, our compassion for others.”

Dr Hussein said her number one priority will be the wellbeing of everyone at St Andrews.