Definition overview
1 Definition
Antisemitism is discrimination, prejudice, harassment, exclusion, vilification, intimidation or violence that impedes Jews' ability to participate as equals in educational, political, religious, cultural, economic or social life. It can manifest in a range of ways including negative, dehumanising, or stereotypical narratives about Jews. Further, it includes hate speech, epithets, caricatures, stereotypes, tropes, Holocaust denial, and antisemitic symbols. Targeting Jews based on their Jewish identities alone is discriminatory and antisemitic.
Criticism of the policies and practices of the Israeli government or state is not in and of itself antisemitic. However, criticism of Israel can be antisemitic when it is grounded in harmful tropes, stereotypes or assumptions and when it calls for the elimination of the State of Israel or all Jews or when it holds Jewish individuals or communities responsible for Israel's actions. It can be antisemitic to make assumptions about what Jewish individuals think based only on the fact that they are Jewish.
All peoples, including Jews, have the right to self-determination. For most, but not all Jewish Australians, Zionism is a core part of their Jewish identity. Substituting the word “Zionist” for “Jew” does not eliminate the possibility of speech being antisemitic.
Interpretation Rule: Unless context otherwise requires, a reference to 'discrimination', 'harassment' or 'bullying' (or other grammatical forms of any of those terms) wherever appearing in University policy or procedure, and whether or not those terms are capitalised in any such instrument, is taken to include a reference to 'Antisemitism' as defined above.
2 References
Universities Australia - Statement on Racism
3 Definition Information
| Approved Date | 21/1/2026 |
| Effective Date | 21/1/2026 |
| Record No | 26/105PL |