Israeli Knesset Approves Expansion of Gender Segregation in Higher Education

The Knesset Education Committee has approved the bill to expand gender segregation in academia for second and third degrees, initially proposed by MK Limor Son Har-Melech of Otzma Yehudit. The legislation extends the option of gender-segregated studies beyond bachelor's degrees, allowing additional populations beyond the ultra-Orthodox to study in segregated settings. It also formally recognizes separate institutions, potentially enabling segregation in public spaces within these institutions, not just classrooms.

This bill circumvents a Supreme Court ruling that permitted segregation only in undergraduate studies and solely within classrooms, citing the goal of integrating ultra-Orthodox students into the workforce despite the harm to women's professional freedom and academic freedom. MK Yossi Taib of Shas withdrew an objection to extending segregation to bachelor's degrees, which now has symbolic significance as segregation at this level is enshrined in law rather than court decisions or higher education policies. However, Taib retracted a proposal to allow segregation in shared spaces like hallways and libraries. The law’s provision for separate institutions implies full segregation throughout those campuses.

Opponents voiced strong criticism during the committee session. Prof. Yifat Biton, president of Achva Academic College, argued that mixed-gender education is essential for societal coexistence and warned of the economic consequences of a dual system with unequal funding. MK Naama Lazimi of the Democratic Camp cautioned that integrated study tracks would be marginalized. The Finance Ministry representative stated the bill would not increase state spending, as the higher education budget is fixed, implying funding for segregation would come at the expense of other institutions.

Legal advisors expressed concerns about the bill’s proportionality and its impact on anti-discrimination protections for female lecturers. They highlighted that the law’s interpretation could lead to segregation in all public areas of separate institutions and questioned the necessity of extending segregation to doctoral studies. MK Adi Azuz of the Meretz party condemned the bill as a deliberate attack on women's rights and a stain on Israel’s legal system.