A Melbourne council has apologised as it probes whether a social worker visiting a high school singled out some male students as "oppressors".
A diversity and inclusion session was run by Kingston Youth Services at Parkdale Secondary College in the city's southeast last Wednesday.
In the presentation to Year 11 students, it is alleged boys who were straight, white and Christian were asked to stand up.
It is understood the boys were then told they were responsible for being "oppressors" due to their privilege.
City of Kingston interim chief executive Tim Tamlin said the council was investigating the incident, adding it was "deeply sorry it has caused hurt and anguish to students and parents".
"We acknowledge and understand the serious concern of the school and wider community,' he said in a statement to AAP.
"It is never council's intention to enter into identity politics, rather the diversity and inclusion program is intended to raise awareness of diversity in the community."
The council-run Youth Services program is now being reviewed and Mr Tamlin said it will take measures to ensure "this can never happen again".
"We are focused on bringing people together, so everyone is included, heard and understood," he said.
The alleged incident at Parkdale follows male students at Warrnambool's Brauer College being asked to stand up during an all-school assembly last month and apologise to their female classmates for the behaviour of their gender.
Parkdale Secondary College has been approached by AAP for comment.
Australian Associated Press
