Crackdown on Campus Hate: Universities Fail to Enforce Antisemitism Definition
A report by Emeritus Professor Greg Craven has found that no Australian university has meaningfully enforced a definition of antisemitism, compromising efforts to combat hatred on campus.
The report assessed universities against key criteria including definition, training, complaints processes, and policy review. It concluded that without a clear, adopted, and enforceable definition, efforts to combat hatred on campus are compromised.
Government Deadline Looms
Education Minister Jason Clare has stated that universities have until August to implement a definition of antisemitism as part of broader efforts to tackle racism. A separate Antisemitism Education Taskforce, led by businessman and former university chancellor David Gonski, is currently designing the specific requirements.
Widespread Non-Compliance
Universities Australia endorsed a definition last year, which stated that criticism of Israel is not inherently antisemitic but could be if based on harmful tropes or calls for the elimination of Israel. However, the report found no university had made it enforceable in formal rules.
Antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal called the findings "deeply concerning" and emphasized the importance of adopting a definition.
Progress at Five Institutions
The report singled out five universities as making significant progress:
- University of Canberra
- Swinburne University of Technology
- Southern Cross University
- University of Southern Queensland
- Charles Darwin University
Academic Freedom Concerns
The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) said it opposes antisemitism but expressed concern that some definitions threaten academic freedom by preventing legitimate criticism of Israel.
Report Cards Impossible
Professor Craven's original brief was to provide report cards for individual universities, but the sectoral failure to enforce a definition made this impossible.
Sector Responds
The Group of Eight (Go8) said it takes the report seriously and is working to address the issues. Universities Australia acknowledged the envoy's work and stated it is committed to combating antisemitism.
Shadow Education Minister Julian Leeser called the failure "pathetic and damaging," warning of broader societal risks.