''A matter of personal integrity'' ... Father Walter Fogarty is ending his 20-year association with the college. He says his attempts to effect change have been undermined. Photo: Janie Barrett
THE Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, George Pell, has directly intervened in the serious behavioural problems at St John's College, saying the culture of loutish behaviour must stop. He has not ruled out involving the police.
The cardinal's comments came as the honorary dean of the college, Father Walter Fogarty, last night announced he was ending his 20-year association with the college at the University of Sydney, saying attempts to effect change were being undermined.
''As a matter of personal integrity I can no longer support the college in the direction it is being taken by its present council,'' he said. ''Unfortunately, there are some associated with the college who will want to say there are no problems when quite clearly there are.''
Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, George Pell. Photo: Jeffrey Chan
Fairfax Media reported on Sunday that the 150-year-old college had descended into anarchy, with widespread vandalism, furniture being smashed and set on fire and faeces routinely found in common areas and bedrooms.
And eight months after a student collapsed and was taken to hospital after an initiation ritual, it was revealed that first-year students were still being forced into similar situations, including the consumption of toxic drinks.
Dozens of former Sydney University students contacted Fairfax Media expressing outrage that such behaviour still went on in the college, with some alumni even calling for it to be closed until the culture could be fixed.
The university said it condemned bullying and abusive behaviour but said it was unable to act on allegations where the perpetrators were not named.
Cardinal Pell said legislation meant his powers over the college were limited. But he called on its rector, Michael Bongers, and its council to take decisive action to address any instances of inappropriate conduct.
Cardinal Pell said ''radical improvement'' was needed and police must also be involved if any behaviour was criminal.
''Enough is enough,'' Cardinal Pell said. ''Turmoil and bitter division have continued at the college for months, even after two independent reviews. Community life must be stabilised and a measure of peace restored.''
He said anyone trying to address the problems had his full support amid suggestions that Mr Bongers could be stood down as early as today.
Mr Bongers, who took on the role in 2009, has maintained a hard line against the ritual abuse within the college but his efforts to expel or punish those misbehaving have been overruled.
His attempts to prevent students involved in the near fatal initiation ritual in March taking influential positions on the student council for next year also failed. Seven of the nine positions were taken by those who were involved.
On Sunday Mr Bongers confirmed he was aware of ''rumours'' that he was to be sacked by the college executive but said he was determined to stay.
''I want to remain in the role of rector and finish the job that I started in 2009. I am committed to reform agenda and cultural change and I look forward to seeing the college start afresh in 2013.''
Father Fogarty said he had seen cultural change at St John's but that had gone backward thanks to the efforts of some alumni and those on the executive.
''Tradition is often used as a way of justifying behaviour,'' he said. ''Some of the things that are happening now certainly were not part of college life when I first became involved 20 years ago … some of the sexist behaviour hasn't changed.
''There was the hope when we went co-residential that it would have a positive effect but some of them have become more entrenched in their misogyny.''
A Sydney barrister, Jeffrey Phillips, SC, is a former Johnsman and a powerful player on the executive who has been critical of the rector's vision to stamp out old traditions.
When asked yesterday if the fellows were about to dump the rector, he said: ''No comment.''
The chairwoman of St John's College, Christine Liddy, issued a statement saying the college was committed to ''establishing the truth of any allegation concerning anyone associated with the college''.
''The council is committed to acting justly towards all parties,'' she said.
''And council members are committed to ensuring that the highest of standards are adhered to at St John's at all times.''
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