[13][14] The email, alongside the ensuing heated exchange between Maris and opposing users on her official Instagram, drew mixed reactions from members of the community.
[15] The university's Jewish Society (JSoc) released a statement on 26 November 2023 voicing concern over the content of Maris' email, highlighting that it was "significantly different" from the draft with which the JSoc was shared and that it cited questionable materials from the "Electronic Intifada", which "has consistently given voice to antisemitic journalists, including those who deny the Holocaust and call for the death of Jews, as well as doxxing and harassing several British Jewish students"[16] The university leadership voiced concern over the possibility that her email would "bring division and hatred [and reinforce a] narrative that drives violent antisemitism around the world...might encourage the expression of antisemitism by others".
Morag Ross KC's independent investigation concluded[17] that there was "no such intention" but rather "a conceivable outcome", and that Maris had shown "poor judgement", though "the circumstances here are not sufficiently clear or obvious to show that there is, overall, a breach of the relevant obligations".
Nevertheless, it did find some of Maris's Instagram activities to be "inflammatory...contrary to the best interests of the University...in breach of her obligations as a member of Court and as a charity trustee...to act with courtesy and respect".
In response, Maris claimed that the university had shown a "lack of respect" for the role of rector,[21] and had "victimised" her as a "young, neurodiverse black woman".,[21] while accusing Morag Ross KC of being "biased",[21] vowing to appeal against the decision.