CONTENT WARNING: This article contains content that might be distressing for some readers.
Two male students from Melbourne‘s exclusive Yarra Valley Grammar have been expelled and another two suspended after a list ranking female students and their appearances — with the use of disturbing language — was shared amongst the cohort.
It is reported that the categories that the girls were ranked in from top to bottom were “wifeys”, “cuties”, “mid”, “object”, “get out” and “unrapable”.
Dr Mark Merry, the principal of Yarra Valley Grammar, called the ranking “highly offensive” in a letter addressing the expulsions, per the ABC.
“A number of our students had been targeted in a cruel and highly offensive online post which caused great hurt to them and their families and distress to their friends,” he wrote.
“I am saddened that the actions of a few individuals can cause so much harm as social media has the power to amplify the damage that can be done and the anguish inflicted.”
Police were called to investigate the incident at the exclusive Ringwood school, where it is reported the group of Year 11 students distributed a spreadsheet via Discord — an online messaging app — that consisted of photos of their female peers and ranked them based on their looks, per the Sydney Morning Herald.
Yarra Valley Grammar was notified of the spreadsheet last Wednesday and by Friday four students were suspended pending investigations, ultimately leading to the expulsion of two this morning.
Parents of the young girls — which is reportedly 40 students — who were featured in list have also been notified by the school regarding the incident.
Further in his letter, Principal Merry clarified that this issue was symptomatic of a broader issue of misogyny in society.
“Whilst we need to accept that this has been an issue here at the school,” he wrote, “to characterise this as a ‘Yarra problem’ would be missing the point.”
“Sexism and misogyny are ever-present in our society and it is the responsibility of all of us; families, teachers, the media, workmates and friends to stand up and make it clear that this is not acceptable anywhere.”
In an interview with 9News on Monday, Merry highlighted the label of “unrapable”, which he identified as particularly “concerning”.
“As a father, I find it absolutely outrageous, disgraceful, offensive,” he said.
“My first impulse and concern is about the wellbeing of the girls concerned. I want to make sure they feel assured and supported by the school.”
Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allen also labelled the behaviour as “disgraceful” and stressed on the importance of respect for women.
“My thoughts today are with the young women and young men they go to school with who are devastated by this news. To think they are sitting in a classroom with classmates who hold these views and write them down, this is no joke,” Allen shared.
“Respect for women has to be at the forefront of every classroom, every household, of every part of the community.
“We are seeing the extreme end of what respect for women looks like, with too many women subject to violence and too many women losing their lives.
“I was utterly devastated and I can’t imagine how tough it is for those young women today.”
The incident comes days after the Yarra Valley Grammar school shared that their Year 11 group recently participated in workshops that “focus on respectful relationships”.
Yarra Valley Grammar confirmed to the ABC that it will be reviewing its respectful relationships programs.
Help is available.
- If you require immediate assistance, please call 000.
- If you’d like to speak to someone about sexual violence, please call the 1800 Respect hotline on 1800 737 732 or chat online.
- Under 25? You can reach Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800 or chat online.
Image source: 9News
