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Compensation firm investigates anti-Semitic behaviour at Victorian school
With assistance from a leading compensation firm, former students have taken action against a Victorian school for anti-Semitic and racial vilification.
Naomi Neilson
Hundreds of drawn swastikas, online derogatory commentary, and physical abuse will be among the inappropriate and hurtful behaviours investigated at Brighton Secondary College on behalf of former students who were harassed to the point of leaving.
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Slater and Gordon, the firm conducting the legal action on behalf of the students, said there was a “culture of [name-calling, cyberbullying], derogatory commentary, physical assaults and symbolism aimed at Jewish students” throughout the school.
“They have said that there were – at any time – hundreds of swastikas drawn on school property,” said public liability lawyer Barrie Woollacott. “The stories from these former students of flagrant, unchecked anti-Semitic behaviour and abuse are confronting and it is difficult to imagine how miserable and stressful daily school life was like for them.”
Mr Woollacott said the school had a duty of care to protect its students from behaviour like this and to have proper processes in place to deal with it. He said it was “shocking” that the students had to endure the vilification of their religion daily.
“I am pretty sure there are other kids out there in the community who have experienced similar abuse and bullying but who may be too scared to speak up,” Mr Woollacott said.
“It is important for them to know that they are not alone and that they should not have to endure this behaviour.”
An independent investigation has been commissioned by the Victorian Department of Education and Training into the allegations. Slater and Gordon will be working with the families in relation to investigating and assisting them with the legal side.
“We are concerned the reported episodes are not isolated incidents and are indicative of a larger problem within the school community,” Mr Woollacott said.
“We are encouraging other families and students from Brighton Secondary College or other schools or institutions to come forward with their experiences to ensure proper actions are taken to prevent this [from] happening to students going forward.”
