Judge slams 'vulgar' South Park for 'Kick a Ginger Day' attacks
Last Updated: Friday, May 8, 2009 | 4:32 PM MT
CBC News
A Grade 10 boy was attacked in the locker room of St. Francis High School after gym class. (CBC)Two Calgary teenagers have been handed absolute discharges in an assault on a classmate on so-called 'Kick a Ginger Day.'
Judge Lynn Cook-Stanhope said on Friday she was satisfied the teenagers had taken responsibility for their actions, and she saved her scathing remarks for the animated television show South Park, which she called a "vulgar, socially irreverent program that contributes nothing to society."
Unfortunately, the writers and producers of the show will never be called to account for encouraging such action, the judge added.
The charges stemmed from an attack on a red-headed Grade 10 boy in the locker room of St. Francis High School after gym class.
The locker room assault happened on Nov. 20, which was promoted by a Facebook group as Kick a Ginger Day. The Facebook group urged members to kick people with red hair — referred to as ginger kids. The group was likely inspired by a South Park episode from 2005 focusing on one character's hateful attitude toward redheads.
At least three Calgary schools reported attacks that day on red-headed students.
At St. Francis High School, police were asked to investigate rumours of a locker-room swarming, and 13 students were suspended. Two 15-year-old boys were charged with one count each of assault and pleaded guilty in youth court. They can't be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
On Friday, Cook-Stanhope said that since the assault, one of the teenagers has done community service, while the other made a donation to a youth club. Both have written letters of apology to the victim, who she said is still dealing with the aftermath of the assault.
The two teenagers showed very little reaction to news of the discharge, but their parents whispered thank you and seemed very relieved. The victim's family left quickly without commenting to the media.
Share Tools
Latest Calgary News Headlines
- Oil industry communication could improve, poll suggests

- While a large majority of Albertans rate the oil and gas industry highly when it comes to creating jobs, one third think they could do a better job communicating with the public, according to a poll done for CBC News. more »
- Flames pounce on Leafs' mistakes
- Miikka Kiprusoff made 41 saves and Paul Byron scored on a second period penalty shot to lead the Calgary Flames over the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-1 on Tuesday. more »
- Cory Bitternose dangerous offender hearing continues
- Psychologists are testifying this week at a hearing to determine whether Cory Bitternose should be declared a dangerous offender. more »
- Online surveillance bill goes too far: Calgary professor
- A Calgary internet security expert says Ottawa's new online surveillance bill violates the privacy of many to catch a few. more »
Top News Headlines
- Air Canada confident it can reach deal with pilots
- Travellers flying Air Canada can keep booking their flights as negotiations continue with a new federally appointed mediator to help resolve an ongoing contract dispute between the airline and its pilots. more »
- Legalize pot, say former B.C. attorneys general
- Four former B.C. attorneys general are joining a coalition of health and justice experts calling for the legalization of marijuana. more »
- Whitney Houston's funeral to be held Saturday
- Pop star Whitney Houston's funeral service will be held Saturday in the New Jersey church where she first showcased her singing talents as a child. more »
- Online surveillance bill targets child porn: Toews
- A bill that would give police and intelligence agencies new powers to access Canadians' electronic communications is needed to protect against child pornography, says Public Safety Minister Vic Toews. more »
- Peace Bridge to open March 24, says city
- Young dog found with missing leg recovering
- Truck, rifle found in connection to Killam RCMP shootings
- Heart-shaped cucumbers a hit for Alberta grower
- Cory Bitternose dangerous offender hearing continues
- Online surveillance bill goes too far: Calgary professor
- Man pleads guilty to murder of stepdaughter, 17
- Alberta's proposed Education Act targets schoolyard bullies
- Celiacs split on benefit of gluten-free tax break

