Israeli Parliament Approves Gender Segregation in Graduate Academic Programs

The Israeli Knesset has approved a new law allowing higher education institutions to offer gender-segregated study tracks for master's and doctoral degrees. The legislation, passed in a second and third reading with 52 votes in favor and 43 against, amends the Student Rights Law to extend gender separation beyond undergraduate studies, where it was previously permitted under the Council for Higher Education's restrictions.

The law aims to remove barriers for religious and ultra-Orthodox students who have avoided academic integration due to their faith. It clarifies that gender-segregated classes for religious reasons will not be considered discriminatory, applying this principle to advanced degrees as well. However, the separation is limited to classrooms and laboratories; shared public spaces such as libraries, hallways, and cafeterias must remain mixed.

This gender segregation is voluntary, with the decision to implement separate tracks left to the discretion of each institution's administration. Supporters argue the law is essential for reducing social gaps and integrating peripheral populations into academic and research sectors. Knesset member Limor Son Har-Melech, who sponsored the bill, emphasized that the law enables individuals to maintain their lifestyle without sacrificing academic ambitions.

Previously, the Council for Higher Education allowed limited gender separation only for bachelor's degrees, balancing equality with accessibility for traditional communities. The new legislation broadens this framework, granting institutions the green light to expand gender-segregated study options to all degree levels.