Racism Systemic in Australian Universities, Landmark Report Finds

Racism is “systemic” and “deeply embedded” within Australian universities, according to a landmark report released on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, by the Australian Human Rights Commission. The study, titled Racism@Uni, surveyed over 76,000 students and staff from 42 universities and revealed widespread experiences of direct and indirect racism, particularly among First Nations, Jewish, and Palestinian communities.

Key Findings of the Racism@Uni Study

The report detailed a range of racist behaviors, including taunts, harassment, and even physical assaults. Specific examples highlighted in the report include:

• Palestinian students being mocked with shouts of “terrorism.”
• First Nations students being subjected to derogatory comparisons, such as being likened to “petrol sniffers” in lecture halls.
• Jewish students experiencing fear and harassment, including antisemitic slurs like “send them to the camps” and being harassed while wearing religious attire.
• African students and staff facing racial epithets and intimidation by campus security.

The study found that 70% of respondents reported witnessing or experiencing indirect racism, while 15% reported experiencing direct racism. Rates of racism were particularly high among religious Jewish and Palestinian respondents, with over 90% reporting experiences of racism. First Nations, Chinese, Jewish (secular), Middle Eastern, and Northeast Asian respondents also reported experiences of racism at rates exceeding 80% .

Failures in University Responses

The report criticized universities for failing to meet their duty of care and for having “Kafkaesque” complaints processes. Many respondents who experienced direct racism (around 6%) were hesitant to file complaints due to fear of repercussions and a lack of trust in the university’s systems . One Aboriginal respondent reported being told a year after filing a complaint that it could not proceed given that the incident occurred more than 12 months prior.

Government and University Responses

Federal Education Minister Jason Clare stated the government would “consider” the report’s 47 recommendations as part of broader higher education reforms, including legislation to empower the university regulator . Universities Australia (UA) acknowledged the report’s “deeply troubling” findings and pledged sector-wide action, supporting the creation of a national working group to develop a coordinated action plan .

Spikes in Racism During Global Events

The report also noted that racism towards specific communities often spiked during significant global events. These included:

• An increase in anti-Asian sentiment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• A surge in antisemitism, anti-Palestinian sentiment, and Islamophobia during the Israel-Gaza war.
• Increased racism towards First Nations people during the referendum on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

Instances of anti-Palestinian racism included students being required to provide death certificates of family members in Gaza to justify extensions or deferrals, as well as reports of physical assault and fear of expressing views due to potential deportation .

Recommendations for Change

The Racism@Uni study proposes 47 recommendations, focusing on five key areas:

• A national framework for anti-racism in universities.
• Creating inclusive and safe university environments.
• Establishing accountable universities with accessible complaints systems.
• Promoting inclusive curriculum and teaching practices.
• Diversifying leadership and the workforce.

The report underscores the urgent need for systemic change within Australian universities to address the pervasive issue of racism and ensure a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students and staff .