No to IHRA: University of Adelaide
The University of Adelaide has joined The Australian National University in Canberra in refusing to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism.
Jonathan Iaradolo
The Council of the University of Adelaide consulted with its Academic Board before determining not to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism.
In a statement the university wrote: “We proudly encourage critical thinking and respectful debate. Freedom of speech is a right everyone holds, subject to the law. The right to express lawful views about controversial matters is at the heart of a robust democracy. It is also the essence of academic freedom.
All members of the University Community have a fundamental right to feel safe from discrimination and persecution and to feel welcome and respected on our campuses. Importantly, the University’s values include respect.
The University’s Behaviour and Conduct Policy (Principle 4) states that “The University will not tolerate or condone any form of unlawful unfair treatment including harassment, bullying, vilification, racial vilification and racist behaviour, sexual harassment and sexual assault, discrimination, victimisation, intimidating behaviour or violence”.
This Principle encompasses vilification that can arise from bigotry, which is a prejudice against a person or people based on their membership of a particular group, including their sexuality, identity, health status, ethnicity, religion, culture, or race.
One form of bigotry is antisemitism which may reflect a hatred of Jewish people, or Jewish institutions, by reason of their being Jewish, or may involve the making of adverse judgments about Jewish people or institutions based on prejudicial stereotypes.
Such behaviour is reprehensible wherever it occurs, and we condemn it. It is not reflective of our wider University Community.
We remain committed to treating all in a fair and non-discriminatory manner. The University will not tolerate behaviour or conduct that is unlawful or affects the University’s fulfilment of its duty to foster the wellbeing of staff and students. ”
During this week, the university held talks with the Jewish community during which the IHRA definition was discussed. There was no mention of it being rejected.
AUJS has been involved with the adoption of the definition but they were not consulted by the university .before the decision was made
President of AUJS [SA] Jonathan Iadarola told J-Wire: “It happened very suddenly. Our community is extremely disappointed with the decision and the lack of consultation by the University with Jewish students or staff. My committee and I in AUJS South Australia are very upset about this outcome and are very motivated to continue this fight.”
The editor of the university’s paper was removed from publishing an article including the statement “Death to Israel”. The article was deleted. J-Wire understands it has now been republished.
AUJS has registered a complaint with the university, but it has been met with silence.
The University of Sydney, The University of Melbourne, Monash University and Macquarie University have adopted the IHRA definition.
The IHRA definition:
“Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”
What is wrong with these people!? How difficult is it to see the necessity for this IHRA definition, the common sense it makes? Very disappointing, and I am trying to understand why Adelaide University would reject this. They’ve trundled out the usual rhetoric, which is too general in nature to adequately provide protection for those who are hated and vilified.