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🇦🇺 Australia /Culture & Society

Top Perth school suspends students over antisemitic group chat

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Students at a top Perth school were suspended for using antisemitic language and memes in a private group chat targeting another student.
  • The school confirmed the incident and stated that the responsible students were immediately suspended and addressed with their families.
  • The family of the targeted student expressed satisfaction with the school's handling of the matter and requested privacy, emphasizing their son's welfare.

Perth, Australia – A prestigious private school in Perth has suspended students following an incident involving antisemitic language and memes shared in a private group chat. The messages were reportedly directed at another student, prompting immediate action from Wesley College.

An incident did occur involving antisemitic language and memes shared by a small group in a private group chat.

— Wesley College spokespersonConfirming the details of the incident involving students.

A spokesperson for Wesley College confirmed the occurrence of the incident, stating, "An incident did occur involving antisemitic language and memes shared by a small group in a private group chat." The school acted swiftly, suspending the students involved and engaging directly with them and their families. The college reiterated its stance that antisemitism has no place within its community.

The family of the targeted student issued a statement expressing deep disappointment that the matter occurred but affirmed their satisfaction with Wesley College's response. They noted that the school, not their son, was alerted to the issue by concerned students. The family has requested privacy, prioritizing their son's welfare and wishing to move forward from the difficult situation.

The college acted immediately. The students responsible were suspended and the matter was addressed directly with the students and families involved.

— Wesley College spokespersonDescribing the school's response to the incident.

Wesley College, located in South Perth, is a large co-educational school until Year 6, then boys-only through Year 12, with approximately 1,300 students. Earlier this year, it was recognized as the nation's top private school based on academic excellence, student wellbeing, and institutional performance.

We are deeply disappointed that this matter has occurred and that it has become the subject of media reporting as we are entirely satisfied with the way in which Wesley College has handled this matter.

— Family of the targeted studentExpressing their reaction to the incident and the school's actions.

Western Australia Premier Roger Cook condemned the behavior, calling antisemitic actions unacceptable and emphasizing the state's commitment to being a peaceful and inclusive society. His remarks came as a Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion is examining broader issues of antisemitism across Australia, including anecdotal reports of such incidents in classrooms.

Our greatest concern is the welfare of our son.

— Family of the targeted studentHighlighting their primary focus following the incident.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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