Mock trial and sex toy: six expelled, 21 suspended from elite St Paul’s College
A group of students have been accused of using a sex toy to gag a student during a shocking mock trial hazing incident at St Paul’s residential college at the University of Sydney.
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A group of Sydney University students have been accused of using a sex toy to gag a student during a mock trial hazing incident at St Paul’s residential college.
Yesterday it was revealed that a group of six male second-year students - known as ‘Paulines’ - were expelled from St Paul’s, and a further 21 were suspended.
Radio 2GB exclusively revealed this morning further details of the incident, which included the use of the adult device.
It has been alleged that during the mock trial incident, where a student was prosecuted before a judge, that the student was subjected to verbal abuse.
The device was then reportedly placed into his mouth after the ‘judge’ told fellow students to “gag the defendant”.
In response to the initial reports yesterday of ‘serious bullying’, St Paul’s warden Ed Loane said the College was “shocked and deeply disappointed” and that the behaviour was “contrary” to St Pauls’ values and standards.
The College confirmed that those involved had been expelled and bystanders who ‘failed to intervene’ suspended.
“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,” he said.
A spokesperson for the University of Sydney said the incident was “deeply disappointing” and that it supported the actions of the College.
“We support the disciplinary action the college has taken and their commitment to review the training they provide to students,” the spokesperson said.
“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.”
In response to the fresh allegations, Sydney University Vice-Chancellor Professor Joanne Wright said the University was “shocked and deeply disappointed” by the incident.
She said that while the residential colleges were independent, but the University endeavoured to work with them closely “when issues arise, with the welfare of students our top priority”.
“We are in contact with the College to understand the facts around what happened and the steps they are taking to manage this issue and ensure the safety and wellbeing of students, and to determine any additional measures we may need to take,” Professor Wright said.
“All our investigations are undertaken with procedural fairness and the wellbeing of our community front of mind.”
She said support and wellbeing services were available and those who experienced or witnessed “inappropriate” behaviour to get in touch so the University could “provide support, investigate, and take appropriate action”.
St Paul’s College, an Anglican institution, points to its commitment to fostering “the development of young people through education and the cultivation of Christian virtues and moral integrity.”
At its foundation, St Paul’s describes itself as a place centred on “friendship.”
Established in 1856, the college transitioned to a co-educational model last year, after 166 years as an all-male institution.
St Paul’s College has been approached for comment.
Originally published as Mock trial and sex toy: six expelled, 21 suspended from elite St Paul’s College