St Paul’s college bullying incident: Sickening new details emerge
Sickening new details have emerged after a serious bullying incident at a prestigious Sydney university residence.
Ben Fordham revealed new information about the incident at St Paul’s Residential College at the University of Sydney during his 2GB show on Wednesday.
Six male students were expelled and 21 others were suspended.
“Last Monday, a group of male second year students at St Paul’s decided to stage a mock trial against a fellow student,” Fordham said.
“The group that organized it invited people to attend,” he said.
Fordham said the “trial” was held in a conference room on the main floor.
‘In the Kangaroo Court there were students posing as judges, lawyers and prosecutors.’
Fordham revealed to the students detailed evidence against the suspect and “built a case” to “verbally abuse” the boy.
Six male students were expelled and 21 others were suspended over the ‘degrading behaviour’ that took place at St Paul’s College last week (pictured)
“At first I was told it was lighthearted and that the victim was okay with it, but then things started to spiral,” Fordham said.
“The student who played judge delivered a guilty verdict.”
“The victim started talking and the judge shouted, ‘Gag the suspect!’
It is understood that the object used to silence the victim was a sex toy purchased from an adult store.
“While the victim was being gagged, the gang of sick people yelled at him and when it was all over, the students cleared the conference room and went on with their day,” Fordham said.
St Paul’s director Dr. Ed Loane said the college provided support to the victim.
“The college is shocked and deeply disappointed that some of our students have engaged in serious bullying of another student within their friendship group,” Dr Loane said.
“Our response, when we learned of this and conducted a thorough investigation, was to expel the perpetrators and suspend the bystanders who did not intervene.”
He said all students receive training on preventing bullying and harassment when they go to college.
“We will review and strengthen this training, and we will continue to ensure we do everything we can to provide a safe and respectful community.”
Training programs on harassment awareness and prevention and bullying are provided by third party providers for all new students at the college.
The programs also pay attention to the responsible use of social media.
Approximately 420 students attend the college and it is one of six residential colleges at the University of Sydney.
The college became mixed in 2023.
The principal of St Paul’s College, Dr. Ed Loane, said they will review their existing anti-bullying and harassment training programs following the incident (photo stock image)
The institution offers a “well-rounded university experience within a supportive and caring community,” according to their website.
Professor Joanne Wright, deputy vice-chancellor of education at the University of Sydney, told Daily Mail Australia that student wellbeing is the university’s top priority.
Professor Wright said the university is working with St Paul’s to ensure they take additional steps to protect the safety and wellbeing of students.
“We fully understand the seriousness of the matter and have conveyed our strong disappointment to St Paul’s,” Professor Wright said.
‘Although our affiliated residential schools are independent, we aim to work closely together if any issues arise, and our student welfare team provides appropriate support.’
The latest incident comes after a damning review in 2018 by former sex discrimination commissioner Elizabeth Broderik into the culture at St Paul’s.
The report found that students ate sheep hearts during their initiation and celebrated sporting victories by taking girls to a “bone room” filled with mattresses.