Muslim Groups Oppose New Islamophobia Definition in Australian Universities

A coalition of Muslim and Palestinian organizations has rejected Australian universities’ proposal to adopt a new definition of Islamophobia, The Guardian reported. They argue that this move would create a “shield” for institutions against criticism of their recent antisemitism definition, which has drawn controversy. The groups, including the Australian Muslim Advocacy Network and the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network, call for a unified anti-racism standard that encompasses all communities, rather than separate definitions for different forms of racism.

The push for a new antisemitism definition follows a rise in antisemitism on campuses since October 2023, prompting universities to align with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition. Critics claim that the antisemitism definition risks suppressing legitimate criticism of Israel and could perpetuate double standards among marginalized groups.

Legal adviser Rita Jabri Markwell emphasized that a separate Islamophobia definition would not resolve existing biases and could exacerbate tensions. Instead, the coalition supports a definition of dehumanization that applies broadly to all forms of hate based on race, religion, or ethnicity. They argue that a singular, unified approach is essential for promoting equality and addressing the root causes of discrimination.