Six students have been expelled and another 21 have been suspended from a prestigious university residence in Sydney following a serious bullying incident.
The incident, involving the ‘serious humiliation of another student’ took place last week at St Paul’s Residential College at the University of Sydney.
Six male undergraduate students were expelled, and 21 others were suspended over the act.
St Paul’s warden Dr Ed Loane said the college was providing support to the victim.
‘The College has been shocked and deeply disappointed that some of our students engaged in serious bullying of another student within their friendship group,’ Dr Loane said.
‘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.’
Six male undergraduate students were expelled and 21 others were suspended over the ‘humiliation-type behaviour’ that occurred at St Paul’s College (pictured) last week
He said all students receive training against bullying and harassment when they join the college.
‘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.’
Training programs on harassment awareness and prevention and bullying are run by external providers for all new students at the college.
The programs also cover the appropriate use of social media.
Around 420 students attend the college and it is one of six residential colleges at the University of Sydney.
The college became co-educational in 2023.
The institution offers an ‘all-round university experience within a supportive and caring community’ according to their website.
A University of Sydney spokesperson said they support the action taken by St Paul’s.
‘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 spokesperson said.
The warden of St Paul’s College Dr Ed Loane said they will review their existing training programs against bullying and harassment following the incident (pictured stock image)
‘While our affiliated residential colleges are independent, we endeavour to work together closely when issues arise, with the welfare of students our top priority.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the University of Sydney for further comment.
The latest incident comes after an damning review in 2018 by former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderik into the culture at St Paul’s.
The report revealed students ate sheep hearts during their initiations and celebrated sporting victories by taking girls to a ‘bone room’ that was lined up with mattresses.
