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Law expanding gender segregation in academia passes; sponsor claims it will advance women
The Times of Israel • • world
Key Points:
- The Knesset passed a law expanding gender segregation in higher education, allowing universities and colleges to offer segregated master’s and doctoral programs with Council for Higher Education approval.
- The legislation extends a 2021 High Court ruling that permitted limited gender-segregated undergraduate programs aimed primarily at integrating ultra-Orthodox students, now making segregation available to all students.
- Supporters argue the law increases educational opportunities and freedom of choice for religious women, while opponents claim it undermines female students’ and lecturers’ rights, academic freedom, and equality.
- Critics, including civil rights organizations and opposition lawmakers, view the law as part of a broader strategy to erode women's rights and democratic principles in Israel, pledging to continue opposing the measure.
- The law was passed amid a final legislative push by the coalition before the Knesset's dissolution, with ultra-Orthodox parties supporting the agenda after securing their own legislative priorities.
