Published: 28 April 2023
Last updated: 5 March 2024
Despite recent antisemitic and anti-Israel attacks, the university rejected the definition, saying ‘the right to express lawful views about controversial matters’ is at the centre of academic freedom.
The University of Adelaide has rejected the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism on the grounds that it would curtail free speech.
In a statement issued on April 11, the university emphasised the “right to express lawful views about controversial matters”, a veiled reference to its concern that the IHRA definition could be used to conflate antisemitism with anti-Zionism and curb criticism of Israel over its occupation of Palestinian territories.
The statement said: “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.
“The University is committed to the principles of academic freedom and freedom of speech. Like most Australian public universities, we have adopted the Model Code recommended by the Hon Robert French AC in his 2019 Review of Freedom of Speech in Australian Higher Education Providers.”
"We proudly encourage critical thinking and respectful debate. 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."
University of Adelaide statement
The university’s rejection of the IHRA definition was described as “most unfortunate” by the Zionist Federation of Australia. “It’s reasoning shows an unwillingness to engage with what the IHRA definition is and isn’t,” ZFA President Jeremy Leibler said in a statement.
