Australian report on curbing antisemitism suggests slashing university funding
PBS NewsHour1 day
Australia Proposes University Funding Cuts Over Antisemitism
Above: Jillian Segal during a press conference in Sydney on Oct. 9, 2023. Image copyright: David Gray/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
Australia is in the midst of an antisemitic crisis, with reported incidents spiraling out of control. From Australia's universities to its streets, antisemitism has become increasingly normalized, making Jewish citizens feel unsafe. Segel's tough approach, therefore, is what Australia needs to protect vulnerable communities and drive this ancient hatred back to the fringes of society.
Government-critical narrative
This plan would fatally undermine Australia's academic freedom and democratic principles and, ultimately, inflame community tensions even further. Rather than combat hatred, this proposal would silence dissent by conflating criticism of Israel with antisemitism. The government should reject this plan and instead focus on pursuing a strategy that tackles racism in all its forms.