Special Envoy releases guidance to support universities in defining Islamophobia
Australia's Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, Aftab Malik, has released guidance to support the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) and Australia's higher education providers as they prepare to adopt a definition of Islamophobia under the amended Higher Education Standards Framework.
The guidance, The Challenges of Defining Islamophobia: Contextual Guidance for the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) , provides universities with a practical framework to develop definitions that reflect their unique communities while supporting the safety, wellbeing and participation of Muslim students and staff.
Rather than prescribing a single definition, the guidance recognises the complexity of the issue and encourages higher education providers to undertake meaningful consultation with students, staff and communities. It acknowledges that there is no universally agreed definition of Islamophobia and outlines a process that allows institutions to develop approaches appropriate to their own context.
The guidance also recognises that Islamophobia can overlap with other forms of discrimination and hostility, including anti-Palestinian racism and anti-Arab racism. While these are distinct forms of prejudice, universities should take an informed and nuanced approach to understanding how they can intersect and impact the experiences of students and staff on campus.
The guidance also emphasises that efforts to address Islamophobia must be consistent with freedom of speech, freedom of expression and academic freedom. It draws a clear distinction between the legitimate examination and critique of religious ideas and discrimination directed at individuals because they are Muslim or are perceived to be Muslim.
The Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, said the guidance was designed to help universities navigate a complex issue in a way that strengthens both inclusion and academic freedom.
“Universities are places of learning, inquiry and debate. They should also be places where every student and staff member can participate fully, safely and without fear of discrimination. This guidance provides a practical framework to help institutions achieve both objectives.”
In addition to providing guidance on definitions, the document highlights the importance of governance, consultation, accountability, data collection, complaint-handling processes and practical measures that support the full participation of Muslim students and staff in university life.
The Special Envoy said the guidance should be viewed as the beginning of a broader conversation across the sector.
“A definition alone cannot change culture or eliminate discrimination. Real progress comes from meaningful engagement, strong leadership and a genuine commitment to creating university environments where all members of the community can thrive.”
The guidance was developed following a request from TEQSA to provide contextual advice to support the higher education sector in implementing the revised standards, which require providers to adopt a definition of Islamophobia by 1 January 2027.