The Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has shifted its investigative focus to the university sector to examine campus antisemitic incidents [1].
This pivot comes after critics argued that previous hearings omitted the specific context of higher education. By scrutinizing university responses, the commission aims to determine why these incidents occur and whether institutions are failing to protect their students and staff [2].
Scheduled for late July 2026 [3], the fourth block of hearings will take place in Melbourne. The proceedings will investigate the handling of complaints and the general climate on Australian campuses. This follows a third block of hearings that focused primarily on online hate and omitted issues related to pro-Palestinian campus activities [4].
Jewish students and staff have reported a deteriorating environment. One anonymous Jewish student said, "I don't feel safe on campus any more; the environment has become hostile for Jewish students" [5]. Other reports indicate that pro-Palestine encampments on campuses have sparked fear among Jewish students [6].
Glyn Davis, the interim vice-chancellor of the University of Melbourne, expressed concern over the trend. "We feel a deep despair about the antisemitic incidents occurring on campus," Davis said [7].
Advocates are calling for a more inclusive approach to the testimony. Joel Burnie, the executive manager of the Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council, said, "The Royal Commission must hear the voices it has excluded, especially those from university communities" [8].
The commission will evaluate whether current university policies are sufficient to curb hate speech, or if systemic failures have allowed a hostile atmosphere to persist. These hearings are expected to provide a framework for potential policy changes across the national education sector [1].
“"I don't feel safe on campus any more; the environment has become hostile for Jewish students."”
The shift toward university-specific hearings indicates that the Royal Commission views academic institutions as critical flashpoints for social cohesion. By focusing on the administrative response to antisemitism, the commission is moving beyond identifying individual acts of hate to examining whether institutional negligence or policy gaps are exacerbating campus tensions.
