Article content continued

The school said it found no risk to the safety of students and staff. It would not provide further information, citing its privacy policy.

Five students who each spoke independently with a Postmedia reporter outside the school on Thursday said most of the 10 to 15 boys in the direct-message group were in Grade 10. Two students said the incident came to light last week.

Postmedia has not seen the offensive memes. The students outside the school, all of whom asked not to be identified, could not confirm what, exactly, the memes showed.

The Ministry of Education said in an emailed statement that its staff contacted St. George’s as soon as they became aware of the incident. The ministry declined to comment on the student suspensions and discipline issues, citing its privacy policy.

The ministry will conduct an inspection of the school in November to “ensure their policies and operations are in line with the Independent School Act,” the statement said.

“B.C.’s schools are places of learning — racism is unacceptable and not tolerated,” the ministry said.“Any report of racist behaviour is very concerning.”

The ministry said the B.C. government has ensured all independent schools in the province have anti-bullying and harassment policies in line with the B.C. Human Rights Code.

St. George’s student code of conduct includes specific policy prohibiting bullying, including “unwanted physical contact, verbal abuse and threats, unwelcome remarks including jokes, innuendo, or taunting (in verbal, written or digital form) about a person’s body, race, gender, attire, (perceived) sexual orientation, or religion.”