Top Perth school suspends students over antisemitic group chat

Prestigious Perth private school Wesley College has suspended students for sharing antisemitic content in a private group chat, targeting another student. A school spokesperson confirmed an incident occurred but avoided specifying the number of suspensions. The school's immediate action included suspending the students responsible and addressing the matter directly with involved students and families.

The targeted student's family expressed disappointment, stating they were unaware of the issue until other students brought it to their attention. They wished to maintain privacy and move forward. The family has requested not to be contacted by media, citing concerns that doing so would exacerbate an already difficult situation.

Wesley College, affiliated with the Uniting Church, serves 1,300 students from pre-kindergarten to Year 12. The school was ranked the top private in the nation earlier this year, according to Schools360, which assessed the college on academic excellence, student wellbeing, learning platforms, learning environment, and institutional excellence, scoring 93.3 percent.

Premier Roger Cook strongly condemned the antisemitic behavior, emphasizing the importance of a safe and peaceful community for students. He wished to see the school take every necessary action to maintain a positive environment. The suspensions occurred amidst a Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion in Sydney and Melbourne, which is investigating antisemitism across Australia.

The commission heard anecdotal examples of antisemitism in classrooms, including references to gas chambers and arranged swastika shapes. A special envoy was appointed to provide educational training against antisemitism.