Social Cohesion in Australian Universities Has Reached Lowest Point: Experts

Recent incidents have intensified challenges, exposing intolerance and prejudice, experts told Senate inquiry on anti-Semitism.

People attend a vigil outside Sydney’s Town Hall in New South Wales, Australia on Oct. 7, 2024. Roni Bintang/Getty Images

Social cohesion across Australian universities has been under strain long before the Oct. 7 attacks, with rising tensions exposing underlying divisions.

The recent incidents have escalated these challenges, as highlighted during a Senate inquiry on anti-Semitism held on Nov. 29.

Vicki Thomson, CEO of the Group of Eight (Go8), described recent events as “a jolting wake-up call” for universities to reaffirm their roles as spaces for open dialogue and safety.

Despite existing policies to address racism, Thomson admitted these measures proved inadequate during heightened tensions.

“The fault lines in our social cohesion have been exposed, be it in our communities, in our schools, here in Parliament House, and on our university campuses,” she said, citing the Scanlon Foundation’s 2024 Mapping Social Cohesion Report.

The report revealed a social cohesion index of 78—the lowest since the survey began in 2007.

Warnings from security agencies, including spy agency ASIO, have underscored the issue. Director-General Mike Burgess noted an alarming rise in radicalisation, with increasing normalisation of violence and inappropriate behaviour.

Universities have mirrored these broader societal challenges.

In response, the Go8 has initiated reforms, revising campus policies to manage demonstrations, restrict encampments, and update student grievance procedures.

Collaborating with the Special Envoy for Combating Anti-Semitism, Gillian Segal, the Go8 is finalising a working definition of anti-Semitism based on international models.

These initiatives are complemented by global partnerships, including the UK’s Russell Group and Canadian counterparts, to refine policies and align with global standards.

“Mistakes have been made,” acknowledged Luke Sheehy, CEO of Universities Australia, emphasising the need for ongoing dialogue and learning from global best practices.

Training Frontline Staff: Bridging the Gaps

A significant gap identified during the inquiry is the lack of training for university leaders and staff to recognise and address anti-Semitism effectively.

To address this, Associate Professor David Slucki from Monash University is leading a training programme focused on the history of Jews, contemporary anti-Semitism, and its impact on Jewish communities.

Senior leaders, including vice-chancellors, will begin training next week, with frontline staff sessions starting in February 2025.

Tailored modules and case studies will equip participants with practical insights to prevent and manage incidents of anti-Semitism.

At the institutional level, universities are implementing targeted measures.

The Australian National University (ANU) has banned encampments and is revising disciplinary procedures, while the University of Melbourne has introduced a SafeZone app for students to report safety concerns in real time.

Sector-Wide Commitment to International Standards

Representatives confirmed that many universities have already adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism, with others expected to follow as the Group of Eight (Go8) finalises its version in collaboration with the Special Envoy for Combating Anti-Semitism.

Despite these advancements, Thomson cautioned against viewing definitions as a panacea.

“There is no perfect solution,” she said, noting the importance of continual improvement.

She underscored that while definitions and policies provide a foundation, addressing the root causes of anti-Semitism and racism requires training, open dialogue, and proactive measures.

Anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and the Broader Challenge

Greens Senator David Shoebridge questioned whether the rise in anti-Semitism reflects a broader trend of xenophobia, including Islamophobia.

“If we call out one part of the problem, do we ignore other parts? Do we need to see this more holistically as a societal issue?” he asked.

Thomson and Sheehy agreed, advocating a united front against all forms of racism.

Universities are collaborating with the Human Rights Commission to study the prevalence of racism on campuses, including Islamophobia and discrimination against Indigenous Australians.

Monash University has already adopted a definition of Islamophobia as part of its anti-racism strategy, with the University of Sydney following suit.

However, Shoebridge argued for the need for equitable resource allocation, citing a 600 percent increase in Islamophobia incidents in Australia last year.

Despite these challenges, Australian universities are making strides to create inclusive campuses. The passage of the Student Ombudsman Bill in the Senate marks a critical step, ensuring equitable access to complaint mechanisms for all students.

The inquiry emphasised that combating anti-Semitism is essential but must be part of a broader effort to address all forms of intolerance.

“Mistakes have been made, but progress is evident,” Sheehy said.