Interim Report on Racism at Australian Universities

Respect at Uni: Interim Report 

In December 2024, the Australian Human Rights Commission delivered an interim report for its Respect at Uni project to update the Australian Government on the project’s progress, highlighting pervasive racism experienced by both students and staff at Australian universities.

Commissioned by the Federal Government in May 2024, the study aims to address racism within the tertiary education sector. The interim findings reveal trends in racism, including increased antisemitism and Islamophobia, and structural discrimination, with significant impacts on wellbeing, participation, and performance.

Key Findings: 

• First Nations Students and Staff: Indigenous participants report enduring structural and interpersonal racism, including undermining of their achievements by characterising them as “special treatment” rather than merit based. Limited understanding of historical and systemic discrimination remains a barrier to equity.
• Jewish Students and Staff: Jewish students and staff cite a rise in antisemitism since October 2023, including extremist propaganda, intimidation, and exclusion. Concerns over safety were compounded by insufficient university responses.
• Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim Students and Staff: Participants described hostility, threats, and discriminatory practices, including restrictions on cultural expression and prayer spaces. Many feared academic repercussions for speaking out.
• African and Asian Students and Staff: African students and staff frequently encountered severe racism, often feeling the need to moderate their natural ways of expressing themselves. Asian participants reported being stereotyped as high achieving but limited to specific academic disciplines.
• International Students: Reports of exclusion, social isolation, and fears of visa repercussions were common. Many felt reduced, viewed as "cash cows" for universities.

Next steps:

The project’s next phase begins in January 2025, including focus groups and a comprehensive survey of students and staff nationwide. The final report, with recommendations for reform, is set to be delivered to the Australian Government in June 2025.

For the full interim report visit: