Private school boy bashed over ‘N’ word at party

Carey Grammar is embroiled in the ugly fallout of a weekend party after a racial slur sparked a fight between teenagers.

A Carey Grammar student was hospitalised during a vicious brawl at a birthday party.

Carey Grammar has become embroiled in fallout from a weekend party after one of its students was hospitalised after another student directed the “N” word to people of colour.

The 16th birthday party was being hosted at the Harriers Hall, Victoria Park, by a student from the progressive Kew co-ed school.

It is understood boys were on their way to the party when they came across the people of colour. They claim one of the boys referred to them using the racially charged “N” word and they retaliated with physical violence.

A 16-year-old boy was assaulted and taken to hospital by paramedics with non life threatening facial injuries.

Carey Grammar said the victim, based on its investigations, did not use the slur.

But principal Jonathan Walter said the school “is aware of an incident which occurred when students were travelling to a private party over the weekend, when one of the students used inappropriate and racist language toward another young person”.

“This type of language and behaviour is not tolerated by Carey which has a proud history of welcoming diversity in enrolment and promoting an environment of inclusivity and acceptance.”

Police have confirmed they are investigating the assault in Kew on Saturday.

“It’s believed four males were involved in an altercation on High St about 7.10pm where one male was assaulted,” police said.

“Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the incident.”

Security business owner Naomi Oakley has spoken out, saying her staff worked security at the party and were on the ground and told of the racial taunt.

Ms Oakley, managing director of U-nome Security, wrote to Mr Walter expressing concern about the incident. It is understood the party was attended by mainly Year 10 students.

“From time to time, I advise relevant secondary schools of certain situations that involve

students,” she wrote.

“I believe that schools can shape a student’s behaviour and underline the importance of respect.

“It is my duty to call people out. I might risk losing clients,” she said.

Ms Oakley’s business provides security for hundreds of events each year.

“I have sadly seen an increase in the use of this word at many youth events over the last few

years and I believe education is lacking in this area,” she said in her letter to the school.

Mr Walter responded to Ms Oakley saying he was concerned about the incident and would follow up “immediately and seriously”.

“We are continually working to educate our students about respectful relationships and language,” he said.

Mr Walter told the Herald Sun the school would address the matter with “students present at the incident, ensuring they are aware of the impact of such language”.

“Carey takes any such incidents seriously and will continue to promote an environment of respect and understanding between students of all cultural backgrounds.”

Former Carey principal Philip Grutzner, who is principal at Melbourne Grammar School, recently suggested to parents in a wide ranging email around consent that, among other things, parents needed to step up around parties. He said regularly the school was advised about a night time party that turned into a nightmare party.

“Where is the joy in a birthday party that is gatecrashed by strangers or where guests are physically or sexually assaulted, where alcohol misuse arises, illicit drugs are present, the house is damaged, neighbours are disturbed and the police are required to intervene?”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au