Six students expelled and another 21 suspended over 'serious humiliation' incident at elite university college
Six students have been expelled and another 21 have been suspended from an elite Sydney University college over a "serious humiliation" incident.
St Paul's College at Sydney University took action against the group of undergraduate students after they allegedly engaged in the bullying of another male student within their friendship group.
College warden Dr Ed Loane told 9news.com.au that the college immediately took action against perpetrators and those who failed to intervene after becoming aware of the incident.
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The incident took place at St Paul's College at Sydney University. Janie Barrett
"The College has been shocked and deeply disappointed that some of our students engaged in serious bullying of another student within their friendship group," Loane said.
"This behaviour is contrary to our values and standards. Our response, upon learning of this and conducting a thorough investigation, has been to expel the perpetrators and suspend the bystanders who failed to intervene.
"We are providing support and care to the victim of this incident. Our students receive training against bullying and harassment when they join the College.
He added: "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."
A spokesperson for Sydney University told 9news.com.au it was "deeply disappointed" with the behaviour of some students at St Paul's College and that it supported the expulsions and suspensions.
"We support the disciplinary action the College has taken, and their commitment to review the training they provide to students," the statement read.
"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."
The university spokesperson said it took incidents like this seriously and would continue to assist with St Paul's, though it is an independent residential college, with any similar behaviour.
"We treat conduct that occurs at or in connection with a residential college as 'University related' and urge anyone who has experienced or witnessed inappropriate behaviour to let us know so we can provide support, investigate, and take appropriate action."
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Sydney University said it was 'deeply disappointed' over the bullying in a statement. Janie Barrett
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St Paul's College was founded in 1856, making it Australia's oldest university residential college.
It was all-male until it went co-residential in 2023 and comprises about 300 undergraduate students.
On its website, the college says it strives to "foster intellectual leadership, academic excellence, moral responsibility and civilised values".
St Paul's has been hit with a string of controversial incidents in recent years, including accusations of sexism in 2017.
It was also accused of racism in 2012 following reports it hosted a "colonial-themed party".
Anybody needing support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. Children and young adults up to 25 can call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
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