Understanding the University Antisemitism Report Card Initiative

The University Antisemitism Report Card has emerged as a pivotal tool in addressing concerns over antisemitism on Australian university campuses. Proposed by Jillian Segal, Australia's Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, this grading system evaluates institutions on their handling of antisemitic incidents, protests, and policies. Universities receive grades from A to D based on criteria such as adoption of antisemitism definitions, staff training, complaint processes, and responses to campus activities like encampments. The first assessments targeting Group of Eight (Go8) universities are slated for May 2026, amid heightened scrutiny following the Bondi terror attack and ongoing pro-Palestine protests.

This initiative stems from Segal's broader July 2025 plan, which calls for withholding government funding from universities that fail to act against antisemitism, emphasizing accountability in higher education environments.

Background: Surge in Antisemitism on Australian Campuses

Antisemitism in Australian universities has reportedly intensified since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel, coinciding with pro-Palestine protests and encampments. Surveys reveal stark realities: the 2023 Australian Jewish University Experience Survey found 64% of Jewish students encountered antisemitism, with two-thirds overall affected. Many hide their Jewish identity, such as removing kippahs or Stars of David, due to fear.

Complaint data varies: University of Sydney saw a significant post-October rise, later dropping; Western Sydney University recorded 62 complaints, 12 substantiated; University of Melbourne had 12 formal complaints since January 2024. Incidents include graffiti, Hamas-referencing banners, threats, and 'coded' antisemitism like 'From the River to the Sea' chants perceived as calls for Israel's elimination. The Parliamentary Joint Committee inquiry labeled it 'systemic and embedded,' urging action.

• ANU: 10 disclosures in 2024.
• Adelaide: 18 allegations, none substantiated recently.
• Broader trends: Negative attitudes toward Jews rose from 9% to 13% (Scanlon 2024).

While Jewish groups highlight unsafety, critics note under-reporting and conflation with anti-Zionism criticism.

Jillian Segal's Comprehensive Plan Against Antisemitism

Appointed in 2024, Jillian Segal's July 2025 report outlined 13 recommendations, including legal reforms, education embedding, and institutional accountability. For universities, it demands IHRA definition adoption, transparent reporting, cultural shifts, and funding cuts for failures. A judicial inquiry is proposed if issues persist into 2026. The government adopted the plan post-Bondi, fast-tracking the report card via a taskforce chaired by David Gonski.

The plan addresses generational prevalence among under-35s, with campuses as hotspots, promoting resilience through training and monitoring.Similar pressures in global higher ed underscore funding stakes.

The Controversial Appointment of Greg Craven

Segal's office appointed Emeritus Professor Greg Craven in November 2025 to lead the report card, a $232,466 contract until June 2027. An open tender to five firms yielded no bids due to sector conflicts. A shortlist of individuals was then created, with Craven as first choice—no competition ensued.

Department of Home Affairs sought a 'business case,' but Segal's chief justified sequential approaches, prioritizing Craven's expertise as former Australian Catholic University vice-chancellor and constitutional lawyer.

Greg Craven's Background and Public Stance

Craven, a News Corp columnist, has criticized Go8 universities as 'elitist, greedy,' accused them of minimizing antisemitism, and called protesters 'mutant radicals' post-Bondi. His 2023 Australian articles lambasted unis for 'dissing Western civilisation.' Supporters praise his governance insight; detractors question impartiality.

Official media release highlights his 'legal rigour and moral insight.'

University and Union Reactions to the Report Card and Appointment

Go8 CEO Vicki Thomson called the system a 'blunt instrument' risking safety funding cuts. NTEU's Dr. Alison Barnes decried Craven's bias: 'spent years attacking institutions he assesses.' Universities Australia endorses definitions but warns of free speech risks. Some like Monash and Sydney have updated policies, banning encampments and enhancing security.

• Proactive steps: Safe spaces (ANU, Melbourne), misconduct processes (exclusions).
• Critiques: Overreach stifles Palestine discourse, IHRA conflates anti-Zionism with antisemitism.

TEQSA is urging stronger responses via letters to vice-chancellors.

Perspectives from Jewish Communities and Government

Australasian Union of Jewish Students deems campuses 'unsustainable'; Executive Council of Australian Jewry backs sanctions as 'last resort.' Segal emphasizes universities as 'inquiry, not intimidation.' Government fast-tracks amid Bondi fallout, enhancing regulators without confirming penalties yet. Jewish groups mixed on Segal's plan historically but support report card.

ECAJ's 2025 report notes unprecedented arson/vandalism spikes.

Balancing Free Speech, Safety, and Academic Freedom

Debate rages over IHRA definition: endorsed for clarity but criticized for chilling pro-Palestine speech (e.g., Jerusalem Declaration alternative). Parliamentary inquiry recommends trauma-informed training, simplified complaints, TEQSA powers boost. Critics urge holistic anti-racism, noting Islamophobia surges too.

Universities navigate Racial Discrimination Act, ICCPR obligations, proportionality in protest limits.

Case Studies: University Responses in Action

Monash: Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation, exclusions from events. Sydney: Campus access policy reduced complaints 90%. Western Sydney: 12 substantiated cases led to security boosts. Challenges persist: student unions' autonomy, under-reporting (85% no complaints).

• Training initiatives: Staff education on 'shape-shifting' antisemitism.
• Support: Counseling, special exam considerations.

Implications for Australian Higher Education

Potential funding losses threaten budgets amid financial strains. Report card could spur reforms but risks politicization, eroding trust. For staff/students, emphasizes safe workplaces; for admins, policy overhauls. Links to global trends: US encampments, UK definitions.Admin jobs prioritizing safety.

Parliamentary inquiry report details evidence.

Photo by Tadeusz Zachwieja on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Solutions and Actionable Insights

By 2026, expect first grades, possible inquiries. Recommendations: uniform definitions, interfaith dialogues, AI monitoring for hate. Universities should invest in research (e.g., Monash model), foster reporting confidence. For Jewish students: safe spaces. Broader: Federal Human Rights Act, Rabat Plan for speech assessment.

Explore higher ed jobs in inclusive institutions, career advice for navigating challenges, university positions, professor ratings, and Australian opportunities. Proactive leadership can transform campuses into true bastions of respect.