Strathclyde University professor sacked over sexual harassment claims

A professor at the University of Strathclyde has been dismissed following an internal investigation into allegations of sexual harassment involving female students.

Dr Ibrahim Khadra, a pharmaceutical science academic, was sacked after the Glasgow university launched a formal probe into his conduct. Police Scotland have also confirmed they are investigating a report of "inappropriate communication" in connection with the matter.

The university said it suspended Khadra as soon as it became aware of the accusations.

"The safety and well-being of our students and staff are paramount, and we take all allegations of this nature extremely seriously," a Strathclyde spokesperson said. "The university suspended the staff member as soon as we became aware of the allegations and, following a full investigation, the individual was dismissed."

The institution declined to specify how many students had made complaints, but officials praised those who had spoken out.

"We recognise the courage it takes for anyone to come forward, and where they do they will be heard and supported," the spokesperson added, noting that the university’s dedicated Report & Support service remains available for staff and students.

What was the academic's background?

Khadra had a long history with the university. He studied for his PhD at Strathclyde between 2002 and 2006, returning to join the staff as a research associate in 2010.

He was appointed as a lecturer in pharmaceutical science in 2016, rose to associate professor in 2020, and was promoted to a full professorship in December 2024. He also acted as the university's official advisor on academic and institutional engagement with the Middle East and North Africa.

The Palestinian academic was already a public figure in Scotland due to his advocacy work. In 2023, he spoke at a major demonstration in Glasgow city centre calling for an end to Israeli military action in Gaza. At the time, he spoke of his personal loss, though accounts of the scale differ: he told STV News that more than 70 of his family members had been killed, while other reports put the figure at more than 40.

Earlier this year, the Strathclyde student newspaper reported that Khadra was among those calling on the university to do more to support Palestine and to cut ties with arms manufacturers.

What happens next?

Civil authorities are now involved in the fallout. A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: "We have received a report relating to inappropriate communication. Inquiries are ongoing."