The Israeli Knesset’s Education Committee has approved a bill that would permit gender-segregated study tracks for master’s and doctoral degrees. This move, proposed by MK Limor Son Har-Melech of Otzma Yehudit, aims to bypass a 2026 High Court ruling that limited such programs to undergraduate studies. The bill has sparked fierce opposition, with critics warning of potential harm to equality and academic freedom, while supporters argue it will provide opportunities for Haredi women.
The proposed legislation would not mandate gender-segregated classes but would allow academic institutions to offer them when there is student demand. The Finance Ministry has stated that the bill would not impose additional budgetary costs on the state. However, the Committee of University Heads has expressed concern that the move could create “second-class degrees for women” and impose an “enormous budgetary burden.”
The Debate Over Gender Segregation in Academia
The 2026 High Court ruling allowed gender separation in undergraduate studies to help Haredi women access higher education, despite concerns about gender inequality. The court limited this arrangement to undergraduate degrees due to the limited availability of gender-segregated advanced degree programs, which were primarily in education and teaching.
Supporters of the bill, such as MK Son Har-Melech, argue that it will “promote women from sectors that until now have not received the advancement they deserve.” Oshra Danuch, a Haredi woman involved in the discussions, praised the legislation, stating, “This law is real news for the State of Israel. All the attempts to restrict our steps and make us give up our values will not work.” Roy Assaf, head of the government authority for the economic and social development of the Haredi sector, also expressed support, saying the bill would “increase the earning capacity of Haredi women and open doors for them.”
Opposition and Concerns
Opponents of the bill argue that expanding gender separation in academia could harm equality and deepen the divide between women and men in public and academic spaces. Yael Yechieli, CEO of the 5050 initiative, stated, “If the goal is partnership and integration of Haredi society, then we are in favor, but what is happening here is more autonomy for the Haredim, and that, as we know, does not lead to integration.” Naama Zarviv, CEO of the Shovrot Shivyon movement, rejected what she described as “imaginary fears of a slippery slope,” saying they are “patronizing voices that do not see the woman who really wants the degree.”
Academic representatives have warned that the legislation could damage the quality of teaching and research, affect faculty employment, and infringe on academic freedom. Prof. Michal Frenkel of the Association of Women Professors in Academia stated, “Gender-segregated studies are academically inferior.” The Committee of University Heads also expressed concern that the move could create “second-class degrees for women” and impose an “enormous budgetary burden.”
The Broader Implications
The bill has broader implications for the integration of Haredi society into mainstream academia. Ronen Kutin, a representative of the Council for Higher Education, noted that in the 2026-2026 academic year, there were 19,000 graduates of the Haredi education system in academia, two-thirds of them women. He cited the Central Bureau of Statistics, which shows that former members of Haredi society are significantly underrepresented in academia, at only 13%, compared with 46% among the general population.
The explanatory notes to the bill emphasize that its purpose is not discriminatory and that the arrangement should not be viewed as an act of discrimination. They also stress that the proposed arrangement would not detract from the Equal Employment Opportunities Law, which prohibits employers from discriminating between employees on the basis of gender.
As the bill moves forward, the debate over its potential impact on equality, academic freedom, and the integration of Haredi society into mainstream academia continues to intensify. The Knesset’s decision will have far-reaching consequences for the future of higher education in Israel.
