Knesset Passes Law Allowing Gender-Separated Academic Programs

The Knesset gave final approval early Thursday to legislation allowing gender-separated academic study, passing it 52-43. The law permits institutions to operate separate tracks for men and women in master's and doctoral programs for religious reasons. Sponsor MK Limor Son Har-Melech said voluntary separation would let religious and Haredi students pursue advanced degrees without abandoning their faith or way of life, widening access to senior careers and public-service posts. Opposition lawmakers said separation amounts to exclusion and argued that the measure weakens equality in higher education.