Campus antisemitism to be examined at Melbourne hearings

The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion will turn its attention to Australian universities when it holds its fourth hearing block in Melbourne from July 13 to 17.

The block will focus on the lived experiences of antisemitism among Jewish students and academics, the responses of universities to combat it, and the reports, surveys and studies addressing its nature and prevalence on campuses.

Commissioner Virginia Bell said the hearings would draw on testimony from students, academics and institutions. “Hearing Block 4 will hear from students, academics and educational institutions to understand the lived experiences, prevalence and impact of antisemitism in educational settings, and investigate institutional responses to these issues,” she said.

The Commission said universities were a key focus given their role as major public institutions “where issues of inclusion, safety and freedom of expression intersect”, and where evidence before it had indicated instances of antisemitism affecting students and staff.

The Royal Commission received more than 20,000 submissions between February 24 and June 14, over a third of them from Victoria. Hearings will continue in Melbourne from July 20 to 24, with details of a fifth hearing block to be announced in coming weeks.