Hundreds of French High Schools Remain Closed Amidst Student Protests

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, France‘s Education Minister announced on Sunday that between 400 and 500 high schools will continue to be partially or fully closed following a week of clashes between riot police and high school students. These demonstrations have occurred alongside broader nationwide protests concerning the state of classrooms.

Edouard Geoffroy, the Minister of National Education, stated that due to these unrests, the holding of classes will be “completely or partially suspended.” He further reported that since the movement began, at least 5,000 individuals, predominantly teenagers, have been arrested, and dozens, including students and teachers, have been injured. Teacher unions have called for strikes.

The protests by French students commenced approximately ten days ago in the suburbs of Paris, focusing on improving educational conditions, teacher shortages, and overcrowded classrooms. The movement quickly transformed into a nationwide wave, which has now taken on new dimensions with the closure of hundreds of schools, the involvement of university students and teachers, and violent confrontations with police.