Israeli Parliament Approves Expansion of Gender Segregation in Higher Education
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
The Israeli Knesset approved a law permitting gender-segregated master's and doctoral study tracks in higher education, sparking protests from opposition members who called it exclusionary. The law allows institutions to offer separate classes for men and women for religious reasons but prohibits segregation across entire campuses. Supporters say it enables religious students to pursue advanced degrees without compromising their beliefs.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Knesset passes law allowing gender-segregated graduate study tracks in higher education.
- Law permits separation within classrooms but not across entire campuses or public areas.
- Institutions may choose to offer separate tracks based on demand and religious considerations.
- Supporters call it a correction enabling religious students to access advanced degrees.
- Opposition condemns the law as exclusionary and a threat to democracy.
- Law takes effect after official publication, allowing separate master's and doctoral programs.
The Israeli Knesset approved a controversial law allowing higher education institutions to offer separate study tracks for men and women at the master's and doctoral levels. The bill, proposed by MK Limor Son Har-Melech of Otzma Yehudit, passed in a second and third reading with 52 votes in favor and 43 against. The legislation expands on existing guidelines from the Council for Higher Education, which previously permitted gender-segregated tracks mainly at the undergraduate level under certain restrictions.
Under the new law, gender segregation is permitted within classrooms but not across entire campuses or public spaces. Institutions are not obligated to create separate tracks but may do so at their discretion and based on demand, particularly to accommodate religious or lifestyle considerations. The bill aims to enable religious and ultra-Orthodox men and women to pursue advanced degrees without compromising their beliefs.
Supporters hailed the law as a "true freedom of choice" and a correction of past injustices that prevented many religious students from accessing graduate education, which is often necessary for professional advancement and government positions. The Knesset's caucus for religious and ultra-Orthodox women called the law a "historic day" and a victory for women's advancement in academia and the workforce.
Opposition members strongly criticized the legislation, describing it as exclusionary and a threat to democratic values. MK Shelly Tal Miron (Yahad) called it "not separation but exclusion" and promised to repeal it under the next government. MK Merav Michaeli condemned the law as undermining gender equality, while MK Adi Azuz accused the government of unprecedented misogyny. During the vote, opposition lawmakers protested with signs stating "Separation is exclusion."
The law will take effect after its publication in the official gazette, allowing institutions to establish separate graduate tracks for men and women under the specified conditions.
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