The Executive of the International Australian Studies Association (InASA) is alarmed at a proposed, enforceable Universities Australia (UA) definition of antisemitism (as outlined in a recent Media Release; see Statement on Racism, 27 February 2025). InASA is opposed to antisemitism and all forms of discriminatory hate speech and action. Our members include researchers and students working in Australian Studies who have long demonstrated the required scholarly expertise to produce excellent and ethical multidisciplinary research, free from discrimination, vilification and the violation of academic freedom.
It is InASA’s view that the proposed UA definition moves beyond preventing hate speech. It has the potential to place unreasonable constraints on scholarly scrutiny and evaluation of Israel and Zionism by Australian academics. The International Holocaust Remembrance Association’s definition of antisemitism has been widely criticised, including by its own primary drafter, Ken Stern.
InASA is concerned that UA’s definition of antisemitism introduces a lack of clarity around proposed enforcement measures that have the potential to restrict academic freedom and have negative impacts on teaching and research in Australian universities.
Endorsed by InASA Executive Committee
Full statement: InASA Opposes Universities Australias Definition of Antisemitism