Principal resigns following Lawfare Project lawsuit

In September, The Lawfare Project announced a triumphant success when the Federal Court of Australia ruled in favor of five Jewish former students of Brighton Secondary School in Melbourne, in a lawsuit brought against the school and the Victoria state government. The suit confronted the school's normalized culture of Jew-hatred and the anguish it caused these young Jewish individuals. The defendants were ordered to pay more than AUD $560,000 and to issue an apology.

In a recent conversation about the lawsuit with the Australian Jewish News, Benjamin Ryberg, attorney and COO of The Lawfare Project, expressed bafflement in the fact that the school's principal, Richard Minack, had not been forced to resign or been terminated, despite being described in Judge Debra Mortimer's ruling as as having failed in his responsibilities and being “unwilling to confront or address antisemitism” at the school.

“I certainly think that should happen. I recall the decision, and the facts that are presented demonstrate that he is utterly unequipped for his present role,” Ryberg said.

Just days later, on October 23, reports broke that Minack had resigned from the school, as confirmed by the Victoria Department of Education.

Former Principal Richard Minack was described by the judge as being "unwilling to confront or address antisemitism" in his role at Brighton Secondary College. (Justin McManus)

As Ryberg reflected to the Australian Jewish News, the court ruling, and now the resignation, is "a message of deterrence—do not let this kind of conduct go on. If you do, there are lawyers who are coming after you to ensure that the rights of the Jewish community are upheld and enforced."

The Lawfare Project again congratulates the legal team in Australia — Richard Hutchings of Cornwalls and Adam Butt, barrister — for their outstanding work, expertise, and dedication to this watershed case.