Israeli Parliament Approves Separate Gender Tracks for Graduate Studies in Academia

The Israeli Knesset approved an amendment to the Student Rights Law allowing higher education institutions to offer separate study tracks for men and women in master's and doctoral programs. The amendment, passed early Thursday morning with 52 votes in favor and 43 against, was initiated by MK Limor Son Har-Melech of Otzma Yehudit. Previously, gender-segregated tracks were permitted only for undergraduate studies.

According to the amendment, gender separation will be allowed solely within classrooms for students who request it, while other academic spaces in mixed institutions will remain shared. This law overturns a previous Supreme Court ruling that prohibited gender separation in advanced degrees, returning the decision to lawmakers and academic institutions.

The amendment clarifies that gender-segregated study tracks for religious reasons will not be considered discriminatory, extending this principle to graduate programs. MK Son Har-Melech described the law as a "victory for freedom of choice," emphasizing respect for Israel's diverse society and the right of students to pursue higher education while maintaining their religious values.

Education Committee Chair MK Tzvi Sukkot stressed that the law does not impose segregation but expands options for those who desire it. Recent data from the Council for Higher Education showed that 42% of ultra-Orthodox students would not enroll in academic programs without gender separation, with 69% preferring dedicated segregated programs and 87% valuing separate classrooms.

The amendment aims to increase accessibility to higher education for religious students and is expected to support the growing number of ultra-Orthodox students, who numbered about 4,800 completing bachelor's and master's degrees in the 2021-2022 academic year. Implementation will require approval from the Council for Higher Education and adherence to academic standards and equality principles.