AHRC report shows racism concerns in Australian universities, affecting student and staff wellbeing, change is needed.
A new study by the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has shed light on the concerning prevalence of racism on Australian university campuses. The interim report, titled “Respect At Uni,” details the experiences of students and staff from various backgrounds, highlighting the urgent need for reform across the tertiary education sector.
“One of the driving forces behind this project was the alarming rise in antisemitism on university campuses over the past year,” said Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman. “This remains a key concern for the Jewish students and staff we’ve consulted with so far.”
The report reveals that racism manifests in both interpersonal interactions and through systemic structures within universities. It adversely impacts students and staff from diverse communities, including Jewish, Muslim, Palestinian, Arab, First Nations, African, and Asian backgrounds.
Students shared experiences of feeling unsafe and unwelcome due to racism, negatively affecting their academic engagement and performance. Staff, on the other hand, reported feeling ostracised and less confident in expressing themselves, with high casual employment rates and a hierarchical academic structure exacerbating these issues.
“A recurring theme from our consultations is the lack of a shared understanding of racism,” said Commissioner Sivaraman. “This, coupled with inadequate complaint mechanisms and a disconnect between university policies and practices, creates significant hurdles in addressing racism effectively.”
The interim report emphasises the importance of fostering racial literacy – the ability to identify, understand, and challenge racism – as a crucial step towards creating a more respectful learning environment.
Concerns Faced by Different Communities
The report delves into the specific experiences of various groups:
- Jewish Students and Staff: An increase in antisemitic incidents, including intimidation, exclusion, and extremist propaganda, has left many feeling unsafe. While some Jewish groups advocate for targeted measures to address antisemitism, others believe broader anti-racism efforts are necessary.
- Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian Students and Staff: These groups reported facing exclusion, hostility, threats, and the conflation of their identities. Concerns include academic repercussions for speaking out, closure of prayer spaces, and restrictions on cultural symbols.
- First Nations Students and Staff: Systemic and interpersonal racism significantly disadvantages First Nations students and staff. Their achievements are often downplayed, and a lack of understanding regarding historical discrimination creates barriers to participation.
- African and Asian Students and Staff: Students of African descent experience frequent racism and feel pressured to suppress their emotions to avoid stereotypes. Students from Asian backgrounds also shared experiences of both overt and systemic racism.
- International Students: Feelings of exclusion, lack of social support, and difficulty finding guidance were prevalent among international students. They also expressed fear of reporting racism due to visa concerns.
The Road Ahead
The “Respect At Uni” project is currently establishing a working group and an advisory committee to guide the study’s next phase. This phase will involve focus groups, a comprehensive survey of university staff and students across Australia, and a more detailed literature review. The final report, containing recommendations for reform, is expected in June 2025.
The AHRC’s interim report serves as a wake-up call for Australian universities. It underscores the need for a multi-pronged approach to tackle racism, fostering a more inclusive and respectful learning environment for all students and staff.
Also read: Skills training funding bias disadvantages students
Milton writes as both an occupation and a hazard. He also works on the newsletters you see on Tuesday and Thursday with articles you should find interesting.
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