Antisemitism has no place at UniSC. We seek to ensure that Jewish students, staff and community members are safe, respected and welcomed.
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A message from UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Helen Bartlett
UniSC stands against antisemitism, religious hatred or discrimination of any kind in our campus communities.
Universities should be places where people feel safe, respected and able to participate fully in learning, teaching, research and university life.
UniSC is committed to fostering this culture of inclusion and belonging, where diversity is respected, academic freedom is upheld, and all forms of discrimination are proactively prevented and addressed.
We encourage anyone who experiences or witnesses antisemitism or other forms of discrimination to seek support and report their concerns so appropriate action can be taken.
We continue to strengthen our policies, education, support services and reporting pathways so that members of our community can learn and work free from discrimination and prejudice.
We support the work of the Anti-Semitism Education Taskforce to prevent, tackle and respond to antisemitism across the sector.
We all share responsibility for creating an environment where people from every background and faith feel welcome, valued and supported.
Professor Helen Bartlett
UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President
What is antisemitism?
Antisemitism, defined by Australian universities and based on the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) is:
“Discrimination, prejudice, harassment, exclusion, vilification, intimidation or violence that impedes Jews’ ability to participate as equals in educational, political, religious, cultural, economic or social life.”
Antisemitism can occur in many forms, including:
- Harassment, intimidation or threats
- Racist language, stereotypes or abuse
- Exclusionary behaviour
- Online abuse and hate speech
- Vandalism or damage to property
- Incitement of hatred or violence
- Discrimination on the basis of Jewish identity, ethnicity, ancestry or religion
UniSC recognises that criticism of governments, political systems or public policies is not, of itself, antisemitic. Behaviour becomes unacceptable when it targets Jewish people or Jewish communities because of their identity.
UniSC’s Anti-Discrimination and Freedom from Bullying and Harassment - Operational Policy adopts the definition of antisemitism defined by Australian universities and based on the IHRA.
Our commitment
UniSC is committed to:
- Building a safe, welcoming university community that respects diversity and promotes inclusion.
- Preventing and responding to behaviour that targets, excludes, intimidates or harms people because they are Jewish, are perceived to be Jewish, or are connected to Jewish communities and culture.
- A zero-tolerance approach to all forms of racism, discrimination, harassment and hate-based behaviour, guided by UniSC’s Anti-Discrimination and Freedom from Bullying and Harassment - Operational Policy
Reporting and support
If you have experienced or witnessed antisemitism or any form of discrimination, we want to know and are here to support you.
Confidential help is available
You can seek support and tell us about an incident without making a formal report.
Immediate assistance
If there is an immediate threat to safety:
In any life-threatening situation always call Emergency Services first via 000. Then alert SafeUniSC Security for immediate response, first aid and to direct emergency services to an incident location.
Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance) Tel: 000
SafeUniSC (On Campus security 24/7) Tel: 07 5430 1168
If you are on campus you can also use the SafeZone app
Students
Students can report concerns and seek support through UniSC’s Safer Communities service.
This is a confidential support service for students who have experienced or witnessed inappropriate, threatening or harmful behaviour, on or off-campus, including discrimination, racism, harassment or other types of harm. The team provides trauma-informed support, confidential consultations and assistance with safety planning, academic adjustments, and reporting options.
Where can I go for support?
- Report a concern - online form
- Make an appointment
- Email: safe@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226
- Contact Student Central to access a wide range of support services
Staff
Staff can seek advice, support or make a report through People and Culture.
Tel: 07 5430 2830
Email: workplacerelations@usc.edu.au
UniSC staff and their immediate family and household members have access to free and completely confidential counselling services and wellbeing resources, through the Employee Assistance Program.