Universities thinly veiled attempt to shut down criticism of Israel is nothing short of shameful

Universities thinly veiled attempt to shut down criticism of Israel is nothing short of shameful | Australian Greens Skip to main content Search Get Involved Join Donate Our plan Tax the 1% Tackle the cost of living Healthcare for all Fix the housing crisis Strong climate action Policy principles & aims Our team Federal MPs State/territory MPs Officeholders Media releases Take action Volunteer Donate Issues & campaigns Events Greens Shop Leave a bequest Our movement About the Greens Become a member Jobs Green Magazine All news Get Involved Join Donate Search Our plan Toggle Tax the 1% Tackle the cost of living Healthcare for all Fix the housing crisis Strong climate action Policy principles & aims Our team Toggle Federal MPs State/territory MPs Officeholders Media releases Take action Toggle Volunteer Donate Issues & campaigns Events Greens Shop Leave a bequest Our movement Toggle About the Greens Become a member Jobs Green Magazine All news Universities thinly veiled attempt to shut down criticism of Israel is nothing short of shameful 2025-02-26 Australian Greens Deputy Leader and spokesperson for Higher Education Senator Mehreen Faruqi has slammed universities for trying to shut down criticism of Israel by adopting a definition of anti-semitism that has been called “dangerous, politicised and unworkable” by the Jewish Council of Australia.

Lines attributable to Senator Faruqi: “Shamefully, universities have betrayed their students, their staff and their reputation by shutting down free speech and criticism of Israel. They are weaponising anti-semitism to sanitise campuses of anyone who speaks up for Palestinian human rights or against Israel’s genocide and occupation. “I’ve taught in universities for more than a decade, and I’ve never been more ashamed of how far the academic integrity of universities has fallen.

Universities should be spaces for critical thought, open debate, and intellectual diversity, not for political censorship. “By adopting a definition of anti-Semitism that threatens academic freedom, silences Palestinian voices, and prevents legitimate criticism of Israel, they have failed their staff, students, and the very mission of higher education. “Universities have shown utter cowardice in succumbing to conservative political forces and the Murdoch media, rather than standing up and defending political debate.

They are also taking advantage of this political moment to silence legitimate criticism of their partnerships with companies complicit in genocide. “Universities should be politically active places encouraging critical thinking and debate not quashing it with dangerous censorship. This is all embarrassing and galling at the same time.” Facebook for the Australian Greens YouTube for the Australian Greens X for the Australian Greens Instagram for the Australian Greens Bluesky for the Australian Greens Privacy Members website Your safety Contact us Our plan Tax the 1% Tackle the cost of living Healthcare for all Fix the housing crisis Strong climate action In your language 2025 policy platform Policy principles & aims Our team Federal MPs State/territory MPs Officeholders Federal portfolios Federal media releases Take action Volunteer Donate Issues & campaigns Upcoming events Greens Shop Leave a bequest Green Magazine All news Our movement About the Greens Become a member Jobs Members website State/territory parties Contact us The Greens acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.

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