Draft Anti-Racism and Anti-Religious Vilification Policy open for consultation

The policy is open for consultation until Tuesday 27 October.

Universities have a vital role to play in creating environments where people can learn, work, debate and engage respectfully while feeling safe, included and valued.

UNSW is committed to creating a community free from racism, discrimination and vilification in all their forms. That commitment is reflected not only in our culture and values, but also in the policies and frameworks that support our community.

Professor Verity Firth, Vice-President Societal Impact, Equity and Engagement, released the draft Anti-Racism and Anti-Religious Vilification Policy for consultation on Monday 12 October,  inviting the UNSW community to review the draft and participate in the consultation. The consultation period closes COB Tuesday 27 October 2026.

The revised draft builds on the current policy, which was updated in 2024 and 2025. The proposed changes are predominantly designed to align with new legal requirements – amendments to the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) that apply from 1 January 2027. It is vital that UNSW meets the regulatory deadline. The requirements include having definitions of racism and specific forms of racism relevant to a university’s operations. For UNSW, this includes definitions of racism towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, antisemitism and Islamophobia.

These definitions have generated discussion across the higher education sector and the broader community. The definitions included in the draft policy have been developed through substantial sector consultation, including Universities Australia (UA) processes in which UNSW representatives participated. It has been agreed in the first instance that UNSW will use these definitions within our policy framework as the University prepares to meet our obligations under the revised Standards.

For that reason, this consultation focuses on the policy itself, including its clarity, operation and implementation. It is not intended to revisit the wording of the adopted sector definitions.

Importantly, this consultation is not the end of the conversation. It is part of an iterative process and an evolution of an already strong policy that has been in successful operation. It already included the proposed UA definition of antisemitism and a related definition of Islamophobia which are now being moved to the main body of the policy, as well as a focus on racism towards Aboriginal and Torress Strait Islander peoples, which is now being strengthened. The policy will be reviewed and updated as required as insights from the next stage of implementation emerge.

Building a university that is genuinely inclusive, culturally safe and actively anti-racist requires ongoing engagement, learning and dialogue. There will be further opportunities for students, staff and community members to contribute their perspectives and help shape how UNSW practically and meaningfully advances this work across the University as our new Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Action Plan is rolled out in 2027.

Participating in the consultation 

You are encouraged to read:

• Draft Anti-Racism and Anti-Religious Vilification Policy
• Consultation note
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

You are invited to submit feedback via email (policyconsultation@unsw.edu.au) or anonymous submission by COB Tuesday 27 October.

Thank you for taking the time to engage in this important consultation process to help ensure UNSW’s policy framework supports a respectful, inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our community.