Monash University’s Campus Cohesion research program – the first major research program in Australia to examine the discrimination experiences of Jewish, Israeli, Muslim, Arab and Palestinian students and staff concurrently – was officially launched today by The Honourable Jason Clare MP, Federal Minister for Education.
Led by Director of the Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation Associate Professor David Slucki and sociologist of religion at the School of Social Sciences Dr Susan Carland, the two-year, action-based research program investigates the nature and experience, both distinctive and shared, of antisemitism, Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian sentiment on Monash campuses to develop practical solutions to support campus cohesion and safety for all students and staff.
“This research program comes at a time when students are keenly feeling the impact of events abroad on their campuses, and responds to the conversations we have been having with students over the past several years,” said Associate Professor Slucki.
“Antisemitism, Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian sentiment on campuses predate 7 October 2023, and we seek to understand all the ways they impact the lives of students on our campuses,” he added.
An interdisciplinary team comprising experts in psychology, political science, public health, law and education will focus on co-designing best practices with students and staff for effective prevention and response of antisemitism, Islamophobia and related prejudices.
“We hope to find ways to balance freedom of speech and academic freedom – two concepts crucial for university campuses – alongside maintaining safety and reducing discrimination for our university community,” said Dr Carland.
The Campus Cohesion research program is one of four major initiatives announced by Monash University in May 2024 to build social cohesion, strengthen dialogue and to help reduce tensions, with $1 million committed by the University to fund the program over two years.
Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Sharon Pickering said the Campus Cohesion research program will be critical to building dialogue and mutual understanding across the University’s campuses and locations and in the broader community.
“We must always respond to the experiences and needs of our students. This research program is designed to do exactly that, ensuring that our students’ voices are heard, considered and action taken to promote social cohesion on campus and in broader society,” said Professor Pickering.
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