Australian Universities Adopt New Antisemitism Definition as Royal Commission Probes Campus Hate

Australian universities have unanimously adopted a definition of antisemitism aligned with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). The definition, drafted by the Group of Eight and endorsed by Universities Australia, was introduced after a parliamentary inquiry recommended reforms to protect Jewish staff and students. Recommendations include formal meetings between vice‑chancellors and Jewish bodies, transparent complaints procedures and clearer reporting.

The Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion held hearings in Melbourne, hearing accounts of Jewish academics and students being called "baby killers", subjected to chants such as "from the river to the sea" and facing intimidation on campus. The commission highlighted the lack of a consistent definition and opaque disciplinary processes.

Professor Greg Craven’s investigation of 32 Australian universities warned that institutions risk fines for failing to protect Jewish staff, citing the Bondi Beach massacre as a catalyst for stronger accountability.

In the United States, the House Committee on Education and Workforce questioned officials at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, UCSF and UCLA about alleged antisemitism linked to the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, removal of posters and hateful online messages, invoking Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.