We are proud to stand alongside a coalition of Australian community organisations calling on Universities Australia to adopt a single, unified anti-racism standard that applies equally to all communities, regardless of race or religion.
Australia’s universities must uphold one clear and principled framework to address racism, bigotry and discrimination. Fragmented or group-specific definitions risk creating confusion, double standards and unequal protection.
Why a Unified Standard Is Necessary
We believe that adopting an Islamophobia definition alone will not resolve the serious concerns raised about the proposed Antisemitism definition. Creating multiple narrow definitions does not strengthen protections. It risks entrenching inconsistencies and silencing legitimate political expression, including criticism of states.
Anti-racism must be consistent. It cannot depend on which community is being discussed or which political issue is being debated.
Developing separate standards for different groups creates gaps and competing thresholds. Universities need clarity, fairness and coherence, not layered definitions that undermine trust.
Supporting the Definition of Dehumanising Material
Together with our coalition partners, we strongly support the Definition of Dehumanising Material as the foundation for a unified anti-racism standard.
This definition is grounded in extensive research from leading scholars and institutions, including work on atrocity prevention and hate crime data. It offers a comprehensive and principled approach that protects all groups based on race, religion and ethnicity, while preserving space for legitimate political criticism.
Dehumanisation strips communities of empathy, dignity and protection. It has preceded some of history’s worst atrocities. Today, Palestinians are experiencing acute and dangerous forms of dehumanisation. Ignoring this reality undermines the integrity of any anti-racism framework.
What Dehumanisation Looks Like
Dehumanisation often appears through harmful stereotypes that portray racial or religious groups as threats to society or as collectively responsible for the actions of a few. These narratives erode equality and open the door to discrimination and exclusion.
Double standards in fighting racism are dangerous. Universities cannot adopt different standards for different communities and still claim to uphold equality.
Our Call to Universities Australia
We are urging Universities Australia to:
- Set aside the proposed Antisemitism definition
- Adopt the Definition of Dehumanising Material as the foundational standard
- Directly consult with impacted communities, anti-racism policymakers and human rights experts
- Commit to ongoing engagement after implementation
Starting with one clear, unified standard ensures consistency, fairness and transparency, especially in situations where competing claims of racism arise.
One Standard. Equal Protection.
If universities are serious about combating racism, they must reject dehumanisation in all its forms and apply one coherent standard to everyone.
We remain committed to working constructively with institutions to ensure that anti-racism policies protect all communities equally and uphold the principles of justice and dignity for all.