Four boys from Yarra Valley Grammar in Melbourne’s east have been suspended after creating a spreadsheet where they ranked their female classmates based on their looks and whether they were good enough to be raped. The girls were categorized as “wifeys,” “cuties,” “mid,” “object,” “get out,” and finally “unrapable.” This disrespectful and offensive behavior was brought to light when the school became aware of the post last Wednesday and suspended the students by Friday pending further investigation. The parents of the girls included in the spreadsheet were notified by the school.
Yarra Valley Grammar principal Dr. Mark Merry condemned the boys’ actions, describing them as “disgraceful” and “way, way out of line.” He expressed shock and disappointment that such behavior took place at a school where respect for each other is a core value. Merry was particularly appalled by the category on the spreadsheet that rated whether the girls were good-looking enough to be raped. As a father himself, he found this aspect of the incident especially outrageous and offensive.
In response to the incident, Merry emphasized the importance of supporting the well-being of the girls involved. He expressed his concern for ensuring that they feel assured and supported by the school in the aftermath of this disrespectful behavior. Merry stated that decisions needed to be made about how to address the situation, and he highlighted the need to take appropriate action to address and prevent such behavior in the future. The school is cooperating with the police in light of the incident.
The boys shared the spreadsheet on a messaging app called Discord, which brought the offensive rankings to light. The school’s swift response in suspending the students and notifying the parents of the girls involved indicates a commitment to addressing the situation seriously. While the incident has sparked shock and disappointment within the school community, it also serves as an opportunity to reinforce values of respect and empathy among students.
This incident at Yarra Valley Grammar highlights the importance of promoting a culture of respect and dignity in educational settings. It serves as a reminder of the need to educate students about appropriate behavior, empathy, and the impact of their words and actions on others. Schools play a crucial role in shaping students’ attitudes and behaviors, and incidents like this underscore the ongoing work needed to foster a safe and inclusive environment for all students.
Moving forward, Yarra Valley Grammar will likely implement measures to address the incident, educate students about respectful behavior, and prevent similar occurrences in the future. By acknowledging and addressing the disrespectful behavior of the four boys, the school can send a strong message about the importance of treating others with dignity and respect. This incident serves as a wake-up call for the school community to recommit to values of empathy, understanding, and kindness as essential components of a positive and inclusive school culture.
