Haredi Leader Supports Gender Separation in Undergraduate Studies but Opposes It in Graduate Programs

Pnina Peiper, CEO of the State Haredi Public organization representing new Haredi activists in social, women's status, and educational fields, is behind a petition to Israel's Supreme Court against the recently passed law mandating gender separation in academia. Peiper supports gender separation in undergraduate degrees but opposes it for graduate studies, arguing that advanced degrees require integration due to their professional and academic complexity.

Peiper explains that in the Haredi community, women typically pursue undergraduate degrees in gender-segregated settings to gain family approval and social comfort, as many young women live at home and face restrictions on mixed-gender environments. She shares her personal experience of initially studying an unrecognized psychology degree abroad, then overcoming bureaucratic hurdles to earn recognized graduate degrees in organizational behavior and public policy in Israel.

She warns that extending gender separation to graduate studies would limit opportunities and create impractical scenarios, such as segregated workplaces or public services, which are unfeasible. University presidents have already declared they will not allow gender-segregated studies, which could push such programs into colleges with further sectarian separation, reducing options for Haredi students.

Peiper acknowledges that while some academic programs in Haredi colleges may be of lower academic rigor, they serve as stepping stones for women to advance professionally. She also highlights the broader Haredi community's general opposition to academia, which influences political stances like United Torah Judaism's walkout during the law's vote. Despite this, there is a tacit acceptance of gender separation as a compromise.

Referencing a 2025 State Comptroller report, Peiper notes the failure of efforts to integrate Haredi men into academia despite significant investment and gender separation. She emphasizes the severe educational and cultural gaps faced by Haredi men, which contribute to high dropout rates, contrasting with somewhat better outcomes for women. Peiper calls for realistic public policies acknowledging these challenges rather than relying on exceptional cases to shape the system.

Peiper, a divorced mother of two from Jerusalem with multiple degrees, remains active in social advocacy and highlights the emotional toll of witnessing talented Haredi men unable to access higher education due to systemic barriers. She stresses that the academic funnel narrows sharply from undergraduate to graduate studies, making integration essential at advanced levels for professional success and social inclusion.