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Two boys expelled after 'cruel' rating of students' looks

Carla Mascarenhas
Updated May 7 2024 - 1:14pm, first published 10:52am
Entrance to Yarra Valley Grammar School in Ringwood, Victoria. Picture via Google Streetview
Entrance to Yarra Valley Grammar School in Ringwood, Victoria. Picture via Google Streetview

Two students from Yarra Valley Grammar have been expelled after creating a "misogynistic" spreadsheet assessing their female classmates' attractiveness.

The list by the boys at the elite private school in Ringwood in Melbourne on the platform Discord featured photos of the female students and ranked them from best to worst using a number of highly derogatory terms including 'wifeys', 'cuties', 'mid', 'object', 'get out' and 'unrapeable'.

In a letter to parents and students on May 7 principal Dr Mark Merry said the past week had been a "difficult one".

He described the spreadsheet as "cruel and highly offensive" and said it had "caused great hurt" to the young women targeted.

"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," he said.

He said he formed the view that the "position of two students at Yarra has become untenable and as a consequence they will not be returning to the School".

"Others who have played a lesser role in this matter have been subject to further disciplinary action," he said.

A Victorian Police spokesperson said the matter had been reported to police.

"Investigators will assess the information to determine if it's a matter for police," a spokesperson said.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan described the incident as "misogynistic, disgraceful and disgusting and utterly unacceptable", adding her thoughts were with the victims.

"This is no joke," she said.

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Federal Education minister Jason Clare said he was "glad" the students had faced consequences.

"I also understand that the female students are receiving counselling from the school," he said.

Yarra Valley Grammar School principal Dr Mark Merry. Picture via Yarra Valley Grammar School/Facebook
Yarra Valley Grammar School principal Dr Mark Merry. Picture via Yarra Valley Grammar School/Facebook

"That's what I would expect the school to do. If the school wasn't acting like that, then my department has serious powers to investigate as well as to potentially remove funding."

Mr Clare said the incident demonstrated there was "still a lot more work to do".

"It's a job not just for schools but for parents and political leaders like me as well."

Support is available for those who may be distressed:

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Carla Mascarenhas

Carla Mascarenhas is the NSW correspondent covering breaking news, state politics and investigations. She is based in Sydney. Contact her on carla.mascarenhas@austcommunitymedia.com.au