Israeli Parliament Considers Additional Debate on Gender Segregation in Higher Education

The legal advisor to the Knesset Education Committee recommended holding another discussion before advancing the bill to expand gender segregation in advanced academic degrees to second and third readings. This proposed debate will include findings from the Council for Higher Education's research to evaluate whether further deliberation on the bill is necessary. Earlier, on Monday, the committee approved the bill's progression to subsequent readings, allowing academic institutions, with council approval, to offer separate study tracks for men and women in advanced degrees for those who desire it.

Following the committee session, a confrontation erupted between ultra-Orthodox Knesset members and opposition female lawmakers. Protesters also demonstrated outside the Knesset against the bill. Education Committee Chair Zvi Sukkot stated that the law does not impose segregation but rather expands freedom of choice. He emphasized that in a Jewish and democratic state, individuals seeking education aligned with their lifestyle should not be denied advanced academic opportunities. He added that those advocating pluralism should respect the religious and ultra-Orthodox communities by enabling equal academic advancement opportunities.

Separately, Minister Yoav Kisch threatened sanctions against universities promoting political agendas, amid concerns about disruptions to the studies of female partners of reservists during the ongoing conflict.