Gender Segregation in Israeli Academia Raises Concerns Over Discrimination and Transparency

The Council for Higher Education in Israel (CHE) faces criticism for insufficient oversight of gender segregation practices in academic institutions. Neta Bohbot, director of public policy at Israel Free, revealed that despite submitting a freedom of information request resulting in around 800 emails from CHE, only about eight inspections were conducted over four years. These inspections often occurred when campuses were empty, yet records show segregation extending beyond classrooms to hallways, libraries, and administrative services.

In 2024, CHE commissioned a study on expanding gender-segregated advanced degree programs at a college. The research found no justification for segregation, noting many ultra-Orthodox students prefer mixed-gender studies and that segregation causes more harm than benefit. This study was not disclosed during Knesset discussions, raising transparency concerns.

Bohbot highlighted the significant negative impact on female faculty members, who face discrimination in segregated tracks. For example, in mandatory courses for men, no female lecturers are present, while male lecturers teach both genders. In general society programs like social work, women constitute 60%-70% of faculty, but in segregated tracks, female lecturers drop to 6%-7%. Similar disparities exist in civil engineering, computer science, and economics and management.

The issue reflects a gradual spread of segregation practices into public academic spaces, described as a 'rust spreading slowly.' The findings underscore the challenges of balancing religious community preferences with equality and transparency in Israeli higher education.