An top college at Sydney University has suspended 21 students and dismissed six in response to a “serious humiliation” event.
The undergraduates were punished by St. Paul’s College at Sydney University for what was supposedly bullying another male student in their social group.
Dr. Ed Loane, the college warden, said that upon learning of the occurrence, the college wasted no time in taking action against the offenders and bystanders.
“The College has been shocked and deeply disappointed that some of our students engaged in serious bullying of another student within their friendship group,” stated Loane.
It goes against all that we stand for when someone acts in this way.
We have taken action after discovering this and carrying out a comprehensive investigation.
The individuals responsible have been expelled and the spectators who did not step in have been suspended.
The person who was affected by this tragedy is receiving our assistance and attention.
As soon as a student enrolls at our college, they undergo anti-harassment training.
According to him,”We will review and strengthen this training, and we will continue to ensure we are doing everything we can to provide a safe and respectful community.”
According to a representative from Sydney University, the institution is “deeply disappointed” by the actions of a small number of students at St. Paul’s College and fully backs the decision to expel and suspend them.
“We support the disciplinary action the College has taken, and their commitment to review the training they provide to students,” according to the document.
“We’re also following up directly to understand additional steps the College is taking to manage this issue and ensure the safety and wellbeing of students.”
Even though St. Paul’s is an independent residential college, a representative from the university assured the school that it will continue to receive support in the event of any future instances of this kind.
The oldest university residential college in Australia, St. Paul’s College, has been around since 1856.
About 300 undergraduates make to the fraternity, which was previously all-male until 2023, when it became co-residential.
“Foster intellectual leadership, academic excellence, moral responsibility and civilised values” are the stated goals of the college on its website.
Claims of sexism surfaced in 2017 at St. Paul’s, one of several contentious events that have rocked the institution in recent years.
It was also alleged to have staged a “colonial-themed party” in 2012, which led to racist accusations.
