Landmark Respect at Uni Study Reveals Widespread Racism and Discrimination at Australian Universities

Unveiling the Respect at Uni Study: A Landmark Investigation into Campus Racism

The Respect at Uni study, officially titled Respect at Uni: Study into Antisemitism, Islamophobia, Racism and the Experience of First Nations People, represents the most comprehensive examination to date of discrimination in Australian higher education. Commissioned by the Australian Government in May 2024 and released on February 17, 2026, by the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), this report draws on responses from over 76,000 students and staff across 42 universities.6462 Led by Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman, the study highlights how racism is not merely isolated incidents but a systemic issue deeply embedded in university culture, policies, and daily interactions.

Conducted through a trauma-informed, mixed-methods approach—including a national online survey managed by the Australian National University (ANU) POLIS lab, 57 focus groups with 185 participants, policy audits of 43 universities, and extensive consultations—the study achieved remarkable participation rates. Over 1.6 million surveys were distributed, yielding 76,131 responses: 33,943 from domestic students (3.3% response rate), 14,154 from international students (2.9%), 10,799 academic staff (18.3%), and 17,235 professional staff (22.2%). This scale underscores the urgency of the findings, capturing lived experiences from diverse groups including First Nations peoples, Jewish and Muslim communities, Asians, Africans, and Pasifika.64

The study's context is critical: it captures spikes in discrimination linked to global and national events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic (targeting Asians), the 2023 Voice to Parliament referendum (impacting First Nations), and the post-October 7, 2023, Israel-Hamas conflict (exacerbating antisemitism and Islamophobia). These events amplified interpersonal and structural racism, with protesters and online harassment creating environments of fear on campuses.63

Prevalence of Racism: Shocking Statistics Across All Universities

Racism manifests in direct interpersonal forms (experienced personally) and indirect forms (witnessed or heard about one's community), affecting nearly every respondent. Overall, 14.9% reported direct racism in the past two years, while 69.9% encountered indirect racism—a staggering figure indicating pervasive exposure. An additional 19.1% witnessed racism without personal involvement.64

International students faced the highest rates, with 75% indirect exposure, compounded by visa insecurities deterring complaints. Verbal harassment topped forms (22.9% domestic students, 23.1% international), followed by online abuse and physical threats. Perpetrators included fellow students (up to 69%), staff, and even leadership.64

Systemic issues persist across all institutions, with only 11 universities boasting advanced anti-racism strategies. This uniformity signals a sector-wide failure in fostering inclusive environments.62

Experiences of First Nations Peoples: Colonial Legacies Persist

First Nations respondents reported racism at 81%, with 36.6% direct experiences. Universities, many established before the White Australia Policy, embody colonial structures that devalue Indigenous knowledges. Post-Voice referendum, incidents surged, including accusations of undue benefits (67.9%) and stereotypes like 'unintelligent' (49%). Academic staff faced 57% direct racism, often bearing a 'cultural load'—unpaid expectations to educate peers, leading to burnout and career stagnation.64

One respondent noted: 'We are set up to fail... the leadership is clueless and relies on us to bear the cultural load.' Intersectionality worsens outcomes, with gender and disability amplifying exclusion. Many avoid campuses during protests or opt for remote study to evade hyper-visibility.Explore the full report for participant stories14

Antisemitism and Islamophobia: Post-October 7 Spikes

Jewish respondents, particularly religious (94%), and Palestinians (90.2%) endured the highest rates. Antisemitism rose 9-15% post-October 7, with 40.7% Jewish students feeling unsafe and 93.7% unable to express views freely. Common experiences: hiding identity, stereotypes assuming uniform opinions, and verbal assaults.

Muslim and Middle Eastern communities faced Islamophobia at 76-81%, with 31.8% direct for Middle Easterners. Women in hijabs were targeted ('take it off'), and 85.7% Palestinian students self-censored. Physical assaults affected 17.7% of Palestinian students, amid protests equating criticism with allegiance tests.64 These dynamics erode academic freedom, with 63.8% domestic students hesitant to speak out.

For those navigating such environments, resources like career advice for diverse researchers can provide supportive pathways in Australian academia.

Impacts on Mental Health, Careers, and Academic Freedom

The human cost is profound: two-thirds reported mental health declines (stress, anxiety, depression), over two-fifths of students saw study disruptions, and half of staff faced career barriers like biased evaluations. Safety concerns drove 31% of First Nations to avoid campuses, while international students feared visa repercussions.64

• Wellbeing erosion: Nightmares, physical pain, isolation ('cried so much').
• Career setbacks: Promotions denied, marking biases (e.g., African names avoided).
• Academic chilling: 61.7% staff self-censor, stifling debate.

Examples abound: Asian students enduring 'slanted eyes' jokes, Indian nursing students accused of AI cheating, Aboriginal complaints dismissed after delays.63 This 'death by a thousand cuts' undermines universities' promises of transformative education.

Failure of Complaints Processes: Distrust and Inaction

Only 6% of direct victims complained, with 60-80% dissatisfied due to retaliation fears, delays, and perceived futility. Processes lack transparency, trauma-informed support, and power imbalance addressing. Universities must overhaul these for accessibility and outcomes.62

University and Government Responses: Commitments and Critiques

Group of Eight (Go8) universities rejected all racism forms, pledging sustained action. Monash highlighted its Safer Community Unit and research into antisemitism/Islamophobia. University of Melbourne committed to anti-racist classrooms and Indigenous resources.1013

Federal Education Minister Jason Clare acknowledged flaws and pledged review. Critics like the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) demand immediate implementation, while Greens urge adopting the full plan.63

47 Recommendations: A Roadmap to Reform

The report outlines 47 actionable recommendations across five outcomes:

• Sector Framework: National Anti-Racism Action Plan, triennial surveys, positive duty under Racial Discrimination Act (RDA).
• Racism-Free Environments: Mandatory trauma-informed training, cultural spaces, security reforms.
• Accountability: Transparent complaints, multiple reporting avenues.
• Curriculum: Embed diverse knowledges, decolonize content, racial literacy for educators.
• Workforce: Diversity targets, cultural load remuneration, fair promotions.

Short-term (0-12 months): Pilot training; long-term (3-5 years): Embed evaluations. Aligning with AHRC's National Anti-Racism Framework ensures coordinated progress.64

Diverse leadership is key—half of staff note mismatches. Aspiring academics can explore faculty positions or lecturer jobs at inclusive institutions via AcademicJobs.com.

Broader Implications for Australian Higher Education

Beyond individuals, racism hampers innovation, international enrolments (vital for AU unis), and reputation. International students, paying premium fees, demand safety. Solutions include data collection (race-disaggregated), intercultural dialogues, and embedding intersectionality.

For staff, addressing biases in marking and workloads fosters equity. Students benefit from supportive environments enhancing retention and success. Stakeholders emphasize shifting from reactive to proactive strategies.

Photo by Eriksson Luo on Unsplash

Path Forward: Building Inclusive Campuses and Careers

Implementing reforms positions Australian universities as global leaders in equity. Government funding for the Framework, university action plans, and ongoing monitoring are essential. Individuals can contribute via Rate My Professor feedback or pursuing higher ed career advice.

Explore Australian university jobs and opportunities committed to respect. By honoring voices in the Respect at Uni study, the sector can dismantle racism, ensuring safety, belonging, and excellence for all.62