Israeli Supreme Court Rejects Petition Against Separate Academic Tracks Law

The Israeli Supreme Court, sitting as the High Court of Justice, has declined to issue an interim injunction against the recent amendment to the Student Rights Law. This amendment, passed by the Knesset, permits higher education institutions to establish separate study tracks for men and women even at advanced degree levels, including master's and doctoral programs. The court's decision allows the law to remain fully in effect, enabling academic institutions to submit requests to the Council for Higher Education to open separate tracks.

The petition against the law was filed by Professor Yofi Tirosh and others, seeking to halt the law's implementation and require the state to justify why the amendment should not be repealed. The amendment was initiated by Knesset Member Limor Son Har-Melech from Otzma Yehudit and passed in the Knesset with 52 votes in favor and 43 against. It expands the option for gender-segregated classes beyond undergraduate studies, while other academic spaces remain shared.

In response to the court's ruling, Son Har-Melech praised the decision as expected and necessary, emphasizing that the law broadens access to higher education for communities previously excluded. She acknowledged concerns from opponents about ideological differences but argued these should not prevent thousands of Israelis from pursuing higher education. She urged academic institutions to promptly apply for opening separate study tracks, highlighting the demand from thousands of men and women awaiting this opportunity.

The law reverses a previous Supreme Court ruling that prohibited gender segregation in advanced degrees, returning the decision-making authority to lawmakers and academic bodies. Data from the Council for Higher Education indicates that 42% of Haredi students would not enroll in higher education without separate tracks, suggesting the amendment could significantly impact the Haredi and religious communities. The change also enables Haredi seminaries for women to offer separate master's degree programs, which were previously restricted. Advanced degrees often serve as prerequisites for professional advancement and senior public service positions.