Australian universities may be forced to adopt a definition of antisemitism to address 'sectoral failure'

A report by Emeritus Professor Greg Craven, commissioned by Antisemitism Special Envoy Jillian Segal, revealed that no Australian university has meaningfully adopted or enforceably implemented a definition of antisemitism. The assessment followed complaints about campus protests and Jewish staff and students reporting unsafe environments. Professor Craven stated that without a clear, enforceable definition, efforts to combat antisemitism are compromised, warning of serious consequences if universities fail to act. Education Minister Jason Clare announced universities have until July to adopt a definition of antisemitism as part of broader anti-racism measures. The requirements are being developed by the Antisemitism Education Taskforce, led by businessman David Gonski. Last year, Universities Australia endorsed a definition that clarified criticism of Israel is not inherently antisemitic unless tied to harmful stereotypes or calls for its elimination. While five universities—The University of Canberra, Swinburne University of Technology, Southern Cross University, the University of Southern Queensland, and Charles Darwin University—showed progress, antisemitism remains a serious issue. Jewish academics reported facing pressure to conceal their identities, with some attributing contract non-renewals to silent antisemitism. The National Tertiary Education Union’s opposition to any definition of antisemitism further hindered progress. Professor Craven called the lack of adoption ‘racist, bigoted, unethical, and immoral,’ claiming it undermines universities’ credibility as research institutions. The report highlights systemic failures, with Segal emphasizing that a definition is essential for combating antisemitism effectively.