Israeli Education Committee Approves Law Allowing Gender-Segregated Higher Education

The Israeli Knesset Education Committee approved the "Law to Prevent Progressive Coercion in Academia" for its second and third readings on Monday. The bill, proposed by Limor Son Har-Melech of the Otzma Yehudit party and chair of the caucus for Haredi and religious women, grants higher education institutions the legal authority to offer fully gender-segregated study tracks, including at advanced degree levels. This legislation effectively overturns a previous Supreme Court ruling that banned gender-segregated studies in graduate programs, returning decision-making power on this issue to elected legislators and academic institutions.

Proponents argue the law corrects a longstanding social and academic injustice caused by the court ruling, which they claim contradicted Israeli law and societal values. They say the ruling prevented thousands of observant and Haredi students from pursuing advanced degrees without compromising their religious beliefs and lifestyles. Under the new law, academic institutions can independently decide to open separate study tracks based on demand, such as Haredi seminaries in Bnei Brak and Jerusalem establishing women-only master's degree programs, which were previously prohibited.

Limor Son Har-Melech praised the committee's approval, stating the law restores freedom of choice and religious liberty in academia. She emphasized that true liberalism respects pluralism and the rights of those choosing gender-segregated education. The bill will soon be presented to the full Knesset for a final vote and enactment.