The former principal of the Al-Maktoum College of Higher Education, Dr Mallory Nye, has been severely criticised by an employment tribunal judge who has accused him of “attempting to rewrite history”.
The tribunal panel also ruled that the evidence given at the tribunal by Dr Nye and his wife Isabel Campbell-Nye was neither credible nor reliable.
In a written judgment obtained by The Courier, Alan Strain said: “All of the respondents, 25 witnesses were credible, straightforward and reliable.”
However, Mr Strain added: “Dr Nye presented his evidence in such a way as to suggest to the tribunal that he was attempting to rewrite history; twist comments and interpret statements and documentation in any way which would assist his case.”
His evidence was also considered “entirely contrived”.
Mr Strain added: “It appeared to the tribunal that anybody who was not for Dr Nye or Mrs Campbell-Nye was depicted as being biased and part of some conspiracy against them.”
He continued: “Mrs Campbell-Nye, in keeping with the tribunal’s view of Dr Nye, was also not a credible nor reliable witness. She was prepared to modify her evidence according to whatever version she thought was to her advantage.”
The Nyes had taken the college to the tribunal claiming unfair dismissal on the grounds of race, sex and religion and alleging there had been serious problems in the running of the institution.
Mr Strain ruled that there was no breach of contract and Chancellor Lord Elder had legitimate grounds for suspending the principal, and he was not unfairly dismissed.
The panel found there was a “irretrievable breakdown in relations” and the dismissal action was “procedurally and substantively fair”.
Last night, the couple completely rejected the tribunal decision, calling it an “irrational conclusion” and say they may decide to appeal the judgment.
Their statement said: “We have only received the written judgment today, so we have not had the chance to read through it properly. When we have done, we will be happy to give our considered responses and take further legal action, such as an appeal.
“The tribunal decision has been lifted directly from the Al-Maktoum College’s version of events and their own witnesses even contradicted each other. We simply cannot understand how Judge Strain came to this irrational conclusion.
“This whole experience has had a terrible impact on us both physically and mentally. First our treatment by the Al-Maktoum College, and then going through the tribunal to get to this.
“The written judgment of Judge Strain and the tribunal is a victory for every single workplace bully, every company that feels they can behave however they like because they have money, power and expensive lawyers behind them.
“The tribunal heard very explicit evidence of such bullying and harassment by senior managers of the Al-Maktoum against Mrs Campbell-Nye and other female members of staff, and have chosen to ignore it.
“What upsets us greatly is that it has been perpetrated by people who should know better and who as educators and politicians seek to earn our respect. Although this is a very personal disappointment for both of us, it is also an attack on all employees’ rights to be protected from bullies.”
A spokesman for the Al-Maktoum College said: “The college welcomes the judgment of the employment tribunal. The ruling makes it clear that the college at no time engaged in any discriminatory activities or took any decisions based on grounds of race, sex or religion. We are now keen to move on.”