Police Are Investigating After Knox Grammar Students’ Misogynistic And Racist Discord Was Leaked
The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is investigating.
A number of students from Sydney’s elite private school Knox Grammar have been suspended or expelled after an offensive group chat was leaked.
— CONTENT WARNING: The following article mentions sexual assault. —
According to the Daily Telegraph, the conversations took place on Discord — a messaging community made popular by gamers — where students allegedly posted misogynistic, racist and anti-Semitic commentary.
Other messages reportedly showed footage of men appearing to be raped.
The ‘Gang Gang’ server included screen names that used slurs that are unfit for publication.
The messages and images are currently being investigated by the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad, with a specialist task force of detectives currently reviewing the material.
“Police will continue to review activity, make inquiries and will work with the school, parents and the eSafety Commissioner in relation to any matters that arise,” a police spokesperson told the SMH.
In a letter sent by Principal Scott James to parents on Wednesday, the school confirmed that disciplinary action has been taken.
“The nature of these posts is contrary to the values and culture of Knox and is unacceptable. The action of the boys do not reflect a Knox education or the expectations that we place on our students to be respectful and responsible citizens in the community,” James said. “The boys posted inappropriate images and engaged in offensive commentary in an online private chatroom.
“In regard to the images, some were taken during school activities and later doctored, and the school has spoken with all families of identifiable students. To be very clear, the doctored images do not require mandatory reporting under child protection requirements, and we have discussed the matter with police.”
James confirmed that students have since left the school or been suspended following the leaked messages, while an investigation is ongoing.
“All students involved have been counselled and have participated in lessons to reiterate the importance of respectful and appropriate behaviour as well as the impact of their choices,” James said. “We take no pleasure in the action we have taken, but we believe we have found the right balance between upholding the values of this community and the need for consequences.”
The elite private school, located on Sydney’s upper north shore, costs $35,000 per year for senior students. The server was reportedly active for two years before being shut down after it was brought to the school’s attention in July.
Junkee has reached out to Knox Grammar for comment.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.