Protests scrutinised as antisemitism royal commission focuses on university activism
The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion is investigating reports of Jewish students and staff being targeted by pro-Palestine activists on Australian university campuses. Testimony suggests that some activism has crossed into racial and religious vilification.
Why it matters
The inquiry addresses the balance between free speech, protest rights, and the protection of minority groups within educational institutions.
The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has this week focused on the university experiences of Jewish staff and students. ( ABC News: Mike Lorigan )
Link copied Share Share article Australian universities have long histories of passionate, provocative activism that uses protest to turn attention to injustice.
This week though, the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion turned the mirror on the anti-Israel protest movement itself and the picture reflected back was often ugly.
Jewish staff and students have told the antisemitism royal commission about being targeted by pro-Palestine activists on campus. ( Supplied: Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion )
The commission heard repeated examples of activism crossing the line into racial and religious vilification.
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