QUT race debate not antisemitic, review finds, but fallout was damaging

However, the review found the media coverage of the debate, and the public responses that followed, had damaged QUT’s reputation.

“Administrators of universities must determine, on any given situation, the balance between the appropriate exercise of the right to freedom of speech and academic intellectual freedom, and conduct that is otherwise appropriately to be limited,” the review read.

It recommended more institutional scrutiny of all events held on campus or organised or supervised by QUT.

It also urged the university to emphasise “the proper restrictions that are placed on the expression of freedom of speech and academic intellectual freedom”, and the importance of civility and respect.

Training programs for its workers and increased awareness of the definition of antisemitism in student and staff bodies were also put forward as recommendations.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Sheil said she was grateful for the review, and the university would accept all of its recommendations.

“It is vital that universities remain a place where diverse perspectives can be explored, challenged and better understood, however it is equally essential that these discussions are undertaken in a way that is respectful and avoids vilification or discrimination,” Sheil said.

She added QUT had already begun addressing some of the recommendations, including increased control of the Carumba Institute and adoption of Universities Australia’s agreed working definition of combating antisemitism in messaging to its students and staff.

“Antisemitism, or any other form of racism or discrimination, has no place in a university or the
broader community,” Sheil said.

The university said any matters relating to individual staff conduct had been addressed internally.

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