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A Study into the Prevalence and Impact of Racism in Australian Universities

Race Discrimination
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Image of shadowed university students walking through open corridor alongside university quadrangle

Background 

The Australian Human Rights Commission (Commission) will soon undertake a groundbreaking study into the prevalence, nature, and impact of racism at universities, announced by the Department of Education in May 2024. 

All forms of racism will be addressed in this project. The antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab racism currently being seen on campuses, and systemic racist practices against First Nations student and staff will be considered. 

The study implements part of a key recommendation from the Australian Universities Accord Final Report. It is intended to be a first step in the design and development of a national, longitudinal approach to measuring and tracking racism in the tertiary sector. It also follows more than 20 years of research by the Commission and other organisations, which have recommended a comprehensive examination of systemic racist practices and behaviour at universities.  

Previous projects and research have highlighted the racism endured by Arab and Muslim students following the 9/11 terror attacks; the victimisation and exploitation of international students including during the pandemic, and the experiences of First Nations students and staff who are grossly under-represented and have often reported feeling culturally unsafe in the university environment. These instances of racism will be points of focus in this study. 

The study will be led by Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman. It will consult widely with students, staff, stakeholder groups, and education providers across the country.  

Rights on Campus 

The Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) protects people from unfair treatment, vilification, or harassment on the basis of their race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin. These protections also extend to people because of their migrant status. These rights are applied evenly in all sections of Australian society, including at our universities. 

Students and staff have the right to feel safe on campus, and to flourish in an environment that has robust systems in place to maximise their chances to succeed.  

Study Summary 

The study will look to both understand and address systemic racist practices and behaviour at universities. It will deliver a series of recommendation to the Department as to how to racism in all its forms can be reduced at universities, and how more respectful and inclusive surroundings can be created for students and staff. 

The Commissioner will establish a reference group of respected leaders from racialised backgrounds, including First Nations, Jewish, Muslim, Asian, and other culturally and linguistically-diverse communities. They will also be reflective of the various cohorts across universities, from staff, students, international students and the Union. 

The approach of the study will be similar to the Commission’s landmark ‘Change the Course (2017)’ report into sexual assault and harassment at Australian universities. Using a trauma-informed approach, it will hear about the lived experiences of people of different backgrounds and beliefs. People’s testimonies will be anonymous and ensuring their welfare a key priority. Additional research will be undertaken to assess structural racial barriers. 

The Commission is now in the early phase of planning its approach to the study, determining its scope and working to refine its parameters, objectives and deliverables. 

How Can I Get Involved? 

To register your interest in taking part in this study, please contact universityracismstudy@humanrights.gov.au.  

Additional Reading 

Tags Race Discrimination Racism