Australian universities are hesitating to adopt a new definition of antisemitism, endorsed by Universities Australia (UA) and aligned with the IHRA definition, due to concerns about academic freedom and free speech. The Australian National University (ANU) academic board has declined to adopt it, while other institutions are consulting or reviewing. Peak Jewish groups accuse ANU of making its campus unsafe, while student and staff unions argue it could conflate legitimate criticism of Israel with antisemitism.
Australian universities hesitate on antisemitism definition amid academic freedom concerns
Australian universitiesAustraliaAntisemitismIsraelIsrael-Gaza warFreedom of speechAustralian education
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️
Australian universities are hesitating to adopt a new definition of antisemitism, endorsed by Universities Australia (UA) and aligned with the IHRA definition, due to concerns about academic freedom and free speech. The Australian National University (ANU) academic board has declined to adopt it, while other institutions are consulting or reviewing. Peak Jewish groups accuse ANU of making its campus unsafe, while student and staff unions argue it could conflate legitimate criticism of Israel with antisemitism.
Trending- 1 February: Universities Australia (UA) unanimously endorsed the definition.
- 2 March: University of Queensland academic board discussed the definition.
- 3 Friday 23 May: ANU's academic board chair, Prof Tony Connolly, informed AUJS of the board's recommendation against adoption.
- 4 Last week: Peak Jewish groups (ECAJ, 5A) wrote to ANU vice-chancellor expressing dismay.
- 5 Later this year: James Cook University and University of Adelaide will examine the definition.
- 6 Coming months: University of the Sunshine Coast's academic board will consider the definition.
- Division within universities and between Jewish groups and academic/student bodies
- Concerns about campus safety for Jewish students
- Potential for disciplinary action against staff
- Ongoing debate about free speech vs. combating antisemitism
What: Australian universities are delaying or declining the adoption of a new definition of antisemitism.
When: Months after release (of definition); February (UA endorsement); last week (Jewish groups' accusation); Friday 23 May (ANU board informed AUJS); March (UQ discussion); later this year (JCU review); coming months (USC consideration).
Where: Australia (general); Australian National University (ANU); University of Sydney; UNSW; Deakin University; Victoria University; University of Technology Sydney; RMIT University; James Cook University; University of Adelaide; Charles Darwin University; University of the Sunshine Coast; University of Newcastle; University of Queensland.
Why: Concerns exist that the definition, particularly its alignment with the IHRA definition, could infringe upon academic freedom and free speech by conflating legitimate criticism of Israel with antisemitism. Some also object to the inclusion of Zionism as part of Jewish identity.
How: University academic boards and senates are reviewing the definition. Peak Jewish groups are lobbying for its adoption, while student and staff unions are opposing it. A parliamentary inquiry previously examined antisemitism on campuses.