Landmark report finds racism 'deeply embedded' in universities

Landmark report finds racism 'deeply embedded' in Australian universitiesLBy Liana WalkerTopic:Racism10m ago10 minutes agoTue 17 Feb 2026 at 1:21amA landmark study has examined racism at Australian universities. (ABC News: Lucas Hill)abc.net.au/news/racism-at-university-report-released/106352588Link copiedShareShare articleMore than 70 per cent of university students and staff who responded to a landmark study reported experiencing or witnessing racist behaviour directed at their community. The Racism@Uni study, which surveyed more than 76,000 students and staff, revealed high rates of racism experienced by people from First Nations, African, Asian, Jewish, Māori, Middle Eastern, Muslim, Palestinian and Pasifika backgrounds.Jewish (religious) and Palestinian students were the most impacted, with 90 per cent of respondents reporting experiences of racism at university. First Nations, Chinese, Jewish (secular), Middle Eastern and North-East Asian respondents all reported experiences of racism at rates over 80 per cent.Federal Education Minister Jason Clare unveiled the Respect at Uni report with Australia's Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman in Brisbane on Tuesday.Giridharan Sivaraman and Jason Clare released the Respect at Uni report in Brisbane. (ABC News: Ciara Jones)"This is a landmark report and what it shows is racism is deeply embedded within our universities," Mr Sivaraman said. The report is made up of four parts; the national survey, focus groups, a literature review and a policy audit. The report makes 47 short, medium and long-term recommendations focusing on five key areas: A national framework for anti‑racism in universitiesInclusive and safe universities, free from racismAccountable universities with trusted, accessible complaints systemsInclusive curriculum and teachingDiverse leadership and workforceAn interim report released in December 2024 found interpersonal and structural racism were pervasive and "deeply entrenched" in Australian universities, affecting various communities including First Nations, Jewish, Muslim, Palestinian and Middle Eastern staff and students. Posted 10m ago10 minutes agoTue 17 Feb 2026 at 1:21amShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)PromotionTop Stories'You make your bed, you lie in it': Albanese's warning to 'ISIS brides' in SyriaTopic:Unrest, Conflict and War