Hawzah News Agency - According to IQNA, The universities recently announced plans to enforce a definition aligned with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) after a government inquiry's recommendation. Eight organizations, including the Australian Muslim Advocacy Network (Aman) and the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN), issued a statement criticizing the move.

They warned that separate definitions for antisemitism and Islamophobia would create double standards and undermine efforts to combat all forms of racism, The Guardian reported on Thursday.

"The antisemitism definition, soon to be part of university education and complaint schemes, risks suppressing legitimate criticism of Israel," the statement read. "Developing such narrow definitions will result in gaps and a failure to protect all persons from racism, bigotry, and discrimination."

The universities' definition clarifies that criticism of Israeli policies is not inherently antisemitic but can be deemed so when involving harmful stereotypes or inciting violence.

The Group of Eight (Go8) universities, represented by CEO Vicki Thomson, emphasized the decision followed consultation with Jillian Segal, the special envoy to combat antisemitism.

Some universities, including Monash University, are exploring the introduction of a separate definition for Islamophobia. However, the Muslim and Palestinian organizations argue this would shield institutions from scrutiny and marginalize Palestinian perspectives.

Legal adviser to Aman, Rita Jabri Markwell, argued a separate definition would exacerbate existing issues. "The antisemitism definition encroaches on Palestinian rights and freedom of expression," she said. "A unified standard that rejects all dehumanization is the solution."