Racism at Australia’s universities is a national problem, according to a study by the Human Rights Commission. Photo: File.
Racism at Australia’s universities is systemic, says the Human Rights Commission, especially if you’re Jewish, Palestinian or First Nations Australians.
The Commission has released the final report of its national study into Antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism and the experience of First Nations people in the university sector. It found seven in 10 students experienced some form of indirect racism.
While universities have made progress in some areas, the study’s findings show anti‑racism policies remain fragmented and understanding of racial and religious discrimination is low.
Fifteen per cent of the survey’s respondents reported experiencing direct interpersonal racism at university, while (religious) Jewish and Palestinian respondents reported experiences of racism at rates of more than 90 per cent.
First Nations, Chinese, Jewish (secular), Middle Eastern and Northeast Asian respondents all reported experiences of racism at rates more than 80 per cent.
Nineteen per cent of respondents, who did not experience direct or indirect racism, reported witnessing racism.
Only six per cent of people who experienced direct racism made a complaint to their university, with many citing fear of consequences.
Trust in university complaints systems is extremely low, according to the report, with the 60 to 80 per cent of staff and students who experienced racism reporting dissatisfaction with the process.
Racism occurs at similar rates at all Australian universities, confirming it is a systemic issue, the report states.
More than 76,000 students and staff from 42 universities across the country participated in the study.
Its findings reveal particularly high rates of racism are experienced by students and staff from First Nations, African, Asian, Jewish, Māori, Middle Eastern, Muslim, Palestinian and Pasifika backgrounds.
The findings also show high rates of racism experienced by international students.
Race Discrimination Commissioner, Giridharan Sivaraman described the findings as “deeply troubling” and said universities were falling short in their duty of care to provide safe, inclusive and respectful environments for students and staff.
“The insights and data from this study highlight that racism at university is not confined to isolated incidents or individual behaviour – it is systemic,” he said.
“Racism is pervasive across the sector, affecting many groups in serious ways.
“The study confirms particularly high rates of racism are experienced by First Nations, Jewish and Palestinian students and staff at Australian universities.
“Racism harms people and communities. It damages people’s identity and self-esteem, their sense of belonging, and their wellbeing and safety.
“Left unchecked, it leads to violence.”
The study also suggests accountability mechanisms are largely ineffective, with only 11 universities found to have advanced, standalone anti‑racism strategies.
The report makes 47 recommendations for the Federal Government and universities, calling for a coordinated, sector‑wide approach aligned with the Australian Human Rights Commission’s National Anti‑Racism Framework.
The recommendations focus on five interconnected outcomes, which are:
- A national framework for anti‑racism in universities
- Inclusive and safe universities, free from racism
- Accountable universities with trusted, accessible complaints systems
- Inclusive curriculum and teaching
- Diverse leadership and workforce.
The Federal Government commissioned the Respect at Uni report in response to a recommendation of the Universities Accord.
Education Minister Jason Clare said the government would now consider the report’s findings and recommendations as part of its broader higher education reform agenda.
“There is no place for any form of racism in our universities or anywhere else,” the Minister said.
“Universities aren’t just places where people work and study; they are also places where people live and we need to ensure they are safe and free from racism.
“When we announced this study, we said it would listen to students and staff and shine a light on their experiences. This report delivers that.
“I want to say thank you to Commissioner Sivaraman and the tens of thousands of students and staff who contributed to this landmark study.
“We’ll now consider the report’s recommendations. This builds on our existing reforms to help keep students safe and lift standards across the university sector.”
