Monash University adopts IHRA definition

Monash University in Melbourne has become the latest tertiary education institution in Australia to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism.

The AJN understands staff were informed of the decision on Tuesday. The university has also adopted a definition of Islamophobia as part of a new anti-racism policy.

Monash University follows the University of Melbourne, Macquarie University, Sunshine Coast University and the University of Wollongong in adopting the definition.

“We are delighted that another major university has now formally adopted the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism,” Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-CEO Peter Wertheim said.

Zionist Federation of Australia president Jeremy Leibler said, “This important milestone will play an important role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of Jewish students on campus. We thank [vice chancellor] Professor [Margaret] Gardner and the Monash leadership for listening to the concerns of Jewish students and the community leadership.

“The Zionist Federation looks forward to working with Monash University to ensure that the IHRA working definition is implemented effectively and that the university remains a safe and inclusive place for all of its students and staff.”

Added Australasian Union of Jewish Students vice president Paris Enten, a Monash student, “As the university with the highest number of Jewish students in the country, this is a significant step forward for the wellbeing of hundreds of Jewish students and the broader Jewish community.”