Background to the Respect at Uni Study
The Australian Human Rights Commission released its landmark Respect at Uni report on 17 February 2026. Commissioned by the Australian Government in May 2024, the study examined the prevalence, nature and impact of racism, including antisemitism, Islamophobia and the experiences of First Nations peoples, across Australian universities. More than 76,000 students and staff from 42 universities participated through surveys, focus groups and policy audits.
Key findings revealed that racism is widespread and systemic. Approximately 70 per cent of respondents reported experiencing indirect racism, such as witnessing racist behaviour directed at their community. Fifteen per cent reported direct interpersonal racism. Rates exceeded 90 per cent among Jewish and Palestinian respondents and surpassed 80 per cent for First Nations, Chinese, Middle Eastern and Northeast Asian groups. International students also reported high levels of racism. Only six per cent of those experiencing direct racism filed complaints, citing fear of repercussions, while trust in university complaints systems remained low, with 60 to 80 per cent expressing dissatisfaction.
Universities Australia’s Formal Response
On 3 June 2026, Universities Australia, the peak body representing Australia’s 39 universities, issued a detailed media release outlining its response. The organisation acknowledged the confronting nature of the findings and committed to a more systematic, transparent and accountable approach. UA emphasised that every member of a university community deserves protection, dignity and inclusion, stating that no form of racism is acceptable.
The response highlights the unique context of anti-Indigenous racism shaped by colonisation, dispossession and exclusion. It recognises multiple forms of racism, including anti-Asian, anti-African, antisemitism and Islamophobia, often influenced by global events. UA positioned universities as key institutions for fostering inclusive civic values and strengthening public trust in higher education.
Core Principles Guiding the Sector
Universities Australia outlined six guiding principles for preventing and responding to racism and hate:
- Proactive prevention based on evidence and best practice.
- Early and decisive action embedded across governance, policy, education and support.
- Active fostering of cultures of respect and belonging.
- Collective sector leadership to share best practice while allowing local adaptation.
- Continuous improvement through monitoring, policy review, transparency and accountability via institutional governance.
- Protection of academic freedom and freedom of expression, aligned with TEQSA’s Higher Education Standards Framework, while excluding harassment, vilification or discrimination.
These principles aim to support student wellbeing, academic success, staff engagement and broader social cohesion.
Photo by Datingscout on Unsplash
Shared National Action Plan Commitments
UA proposed a coordinated national action plan with specific commitments. These include adopting a formal sector-wide statement setting minimum standards, measurable objectives and transparent reporting. Universities will implement the Universities Australia Indigenous Charter, prioritising actions on Indigenous racial safety, leadership and accountability.
Racism prevention will become a standing priority at UA plenary meetings and major forums, including the UA Solutions Summit. A national community of practice and resource repository will facilitate peer learning. Partnerships with centres of excellence will provide training and policy guidance. Sustained dialogue with Commonwealth and state governments will align initiatives with broader anti-racism strategies. A nationally consistent data and monitoring framework will track trends through core indicators and periodic public reports.
Implications for University Staff and Students
The report and UA response carry significant implications for academics, professional staff and students. Low complaint rates and distrust in processes highlight the need for safer reporting mechanisms and culturally appropriate support. International and postgraduate students, often in vulnerable positions, stand to benefit from improved accountability and inclusive curricula.
For job seekers and early-career academics, the commitments signal evolving expectations around equity, cultural safety and leadership diversity. Institutions that demonstrate progress through transparent reporting may strengthen their appeal as employers and study destinations.
Broader Sector and Government Context
The AHRC report aligns with the Australian Universities Accord and other initiatives, including the National Student Ombudsman and TEQSA oversight. The Department of Education has shared the findings with the Antisemitism Education Taskforce. Group of Eight universities have also issued statements acknowledging the sobering evidence.
UA’s call for a national Racism@Uni Working Group reflects a shift toward sector-wide standards rather than isolated institutional efforts. This approach mirrors recommendations for a coordinated response aligned with the National Anti-Racism Framework.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Implementing the 47 recommendations across diverse institutions presents challenges, including resource allocation, balancing academic freedom with safety, and measuring cultural change. However, opportunities exist for innovation in curriculum design, leadership development and data-driven policy.
Continuous improvement through shared frameworks and external partnerships positions Australian universities to lead nationally and contribute to global conversations on inclusive higher education.
Future Outlook for Australian Higher Education
Universities Australia’s response marks a pivotal moment. By embedding anti-racism as a standing priority and committing to measurable accountability, the sector aims to rebuild trust and ensure campuses reflect the inclusive values central to their mission. Stakeholders across government, universities and communities will watch progress closely through the proposed national monitoring framework.
These developments underscore the role of higher education in advancing social cohesion in Australia. Further details are available on the Universities Australia website and the Australian Human Rights Commission report page.
