Freedom of speech is at risk at South Australian Universities!
AFOPA understands that the University of Adelaide Council will meet on Monday 7 April to discuss the adoption of a new definition of antisemitism based on the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, for use within the University’s community of staff and students.
This new definition was recently developed by the Group of Eight (Go8) universities and adopted by Universities Australia. It is a deeply flawed, confusing and inappropriate definition, which can be used, and seems specifically designed to be used, to stifle free thinking, free speech and debate within our universities, particularly as these cherished values and practices relate to a sole foreign state, Israel.
AFOPA and the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN), have jointly written to the members of the University Council asking them to reject this definition.
We encourage you to write to the Council and express your concerns about this move to target the free speech of people who are speaking up for justice and human rights. A template email for your use is provided below.
CLICK HERE for the letter written to the University Council by AFOPA and APAN.
CLICK HERE for the letter written to the University Council by Academics for Palestine SA.
CLICK HERE for the Jewish Council of Australia media release Jewish Council of Australia slams universities' adoption of dangerous, politicised and unworkable antisemitism definition.
CLICK HERE for the definition itself as articulated in a media release by Universities Australia’s (UA).
CLICK HERE for the University of Adelaide’s rational in 2023 for rejecting the IHRA definition of antisemitism: Statement Regarding Freedom of Speech (what has changed since then?).
ACT NOW!
Write now to the University of Adelaide Council and tell them that this definition will undermine the democratic right to free speech on the university campus.
Address your emails to the following University of Adelaide Executives and Staff:
Chancellor Honourable Catherine Branson AC SC: chancellor@adelaide.edu.au
Vice- Chancellor Professor Peter Hoj: vice-chancellor@adelaide.edu.au
Provost Professor John Williams: john.williams@adelaide.edu.au
Deputy Vice Chancellor (External Engagement) Jessica Gallagher: jessica.gallagher@adelaide.edu.au
Council Secretary: council.secretary@adelaide.edu.au
Copy (Cc) your email to the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA): enquiries@teqsa.gov.au
Your email (please use your own words if you wish):
SUBJECT HEADING: Please reject the G8 definition of antisemitism (or as you wish)
Dear
I am writing to support the position of the Australian Friends of Palestine Association (AFOPA) and the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) in relation to the dangerously politicised definition of antisemitism recently developed by the Group of Eight (Go8) universities and adopted by Universities Australia. It is a deeply flawed, confusing and inappropriate definition, which can be used, and in fact seems designed to be used, to stifle independent thinking, free speech and meaningful debate within our universities.
The new definition was endorsed without any consultation with Palestinian groups or Jewish groups who are concerned about Israel’s 77 year long oppression, ethnic cleansing and destruction of the Palestinian people through occupation, apartheid and now a genocide.
The Jewish Council of Australia has criticised the definition in the strongest terms as dangerous, political and unworkable. By conflating Jewish identity with support for the state of Israel and the political ideology of Zionism, the definition not only erases diverse Jewish perspectives, but also endangers both Palestinian voices and Jewish individuals who oppose Israeli policies and actions.
The existing codes of conduct, such as those covering racism, are well able to deal with threats to the safety and well being of the university community. To institute a separate definition for one specific group is a form of exceptionalism which in itself encourages racism.
Please reject this deeply flawed and dangerous definition which will only serve to silence Palestinian and pro-Palestinian voices who are speaking up for justice and human rights, and foment divisiveness in our community.
Yours sincerely
(Your name/that of your organisation)
