French school protests escalate: up to 500 schools to close Monday
Student protests over education funding and safety have entered a third week in France, leaving dozens injured including a teacher attacked with gasoline. Up to 500 high schools may be fully or partially closed on Monday.
France is in its second week of widespread student unrest that began at a high school in Créteil, near Paris, when pupils rallied behind striking teachers protesting staff and funding shortages. The movement has since spread across the country.
The Education Ministry reports that protests have now affected 735 schools, at least 24 of which were set on fire or vandalized. Seventy-eight education staff have been injured since the unrest began, while the Interior Ministry says nearly 5,000 people have been detained.
Clashes and violence
Demonstrators have burned trash bins and other property, and thrown objects at police officers. Law enforcement has responded with tear gas, rubber bullets and batons. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has rejected accusations that police used disproportionate force, saying officers are stepping in to stop violence.
Among the most serious incidents, a young person in Tours lost sight in one eye following clashes with police, while in Lassiot a 59-year-old teacher was doused with gasoline and beaten; a 16-year-old suspect was arrested over the attack. In Belfort, a group of young people beat and kicked a police officer.
Why students are protesting
Students cite unsafe, poorly maintained school buildings, overcrowded classrooms, excessive workloads and a shortage of teachers. Some are also protesting a ban on mobile phones in schools.
The unrest shows no sign of easing — further protests are planned for Tuesday, with teachers' unions set to join in, saying students' demands align with concerns educators have long raised about underfunding. Between 400 and 500 high schools are expected to be fully or partially closed on Monday as a result.
