British Columbia

'Deeply offensive' online behaviour leads to suspension and expulsion of students at Vancouver all-boys school

Several students at St. George's private school in Vancouver have been suspended or expelled after an internal investigation into what the school calls "deeply offensive behaviour online."

The school says there is no risk to the safety of the school community

Vancouver police have determined nothing criminal took place online by students at St. George's school. (Ben Nelms/CBC)

Several students at St. George's private school in Vancouver have been suspended or expelled after an internal investigation into what the school calls "deeply offensive behaviour online."

In a statement, the school declined to share exactly what the content of the online behaviour included.

But it said its investigation included working with a Vancouver police school liaison officer who determined nothing criminal had happened.

However, Vancouver Police Department spokesperson, Const. Steve Addison said Friday the investigation into the incident is not over.

"The VPD was contacted with regards to some inappropriate racist messages that were allegedly being circulated between a group of students. We have by no means concluded our investigation and it is still active. We have not drawn any conclusions."

St. George’s Senior School is pictured in Vancouver, British Columbia on Friday, Oct. 18, 2019. (Ben Nelms/CBC)

The Ministry of Education has confirmed to CBC News that it has launched an investigation into the school to ensure its policies and operations are in line with the Independent School Act.   

 It said B.C'.s schools are places of learning, adding racism is unacceptable and not tolerated.