Widespread protests involving high school students have shaken France since late September, as more than a thousand schools across the country have faced disruptions amid growing unrest. The movement began around September 21 in the suburbs of Paris and rapidly expanded nationwide, with nearly one in four French secondary schools affected by strikes, demonstrations, or closures by early October, according to the Education Ministry. By October 2, approximately 400 schools were expected to remain closed.

The protests stem largely from students’ frustrations over deteriorating educational conditions. Demonstrators have cited issues such as overcrowded classrooms, absent teachers who are not replaced, crumbling school infrastructure, and overwhelming schedules. Additionally, many students express anxiety linked to Parcoursup, the government platform used for applying to universities, which they say adds considerable pressure to their educational path. Their central demand is for increased resources and improved learning environments.

While many protests have been peaceful, episodes of violence have also occurred. Some student demonstrators have thrown projectiles, set fires, and caused property damage. Notably, part of Lycée Nelson-Mandela in Nantes was destroyed in a fire, and the government reported that around 100 schools suffered serious damage overall. These incidents have contributed to a law enforcement response that includes riot police and mobile gendarmes deployed to restore order.

Concerns have been raised about the police response to the protests, particularly regarding the treatment of minors. Videos circulated showing a 14-year-old boy in Saint-Ouen-l’Aumône being struck in the face by a police projectile, resulting in a double jaw fracture and multiple broken teeth, according to his lawyer. The Defender of Rights, France’s national human rights ombudsman, has opened an investigation into the incident, and the police internal affairs unit, IGPN, has been tasked with reviewing several cases related to the unrest. Another student reportedly suffered an eye injury in Tours. Education Minister Édouard Geffray stated that around 160 students had been injured during the protests, although not all injuries have been attributed to police actions. Reports also indicate that police officers, teachers, and education staff sustaining injuries amid the disturbances.

Amnesty International France has expressed alarm over what it characterizes as excessive use of force by law enforcement, including the deployment of tear gas, flash-bang grenades, and detentions during school blockades. The organization acknowledges some protesters have engaged in violence but warns against disproportionate responses. Meanwhile, government officials, including Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, have labeled parts of the unrest as “urban violence,” emphasizing the need for order and the protection of schools, staff, and public property.

The current unrest highlights a broader issue within the French education system. While authorities assert the necessity of a firm law enforcement presence, civil rights advocates caution against allowing security concerns to overshadow the underlying grievances. The protests reflect deep dissatisfaction among youth facing strained educational resources, uncertain futures, and a desire for their voices to be heard. As the demonstrations continue, there is growing consensus that addressing these systemic issues is crucial to preventing further escalation.

France’s tradition of street protests, deeply embedded in its political culture from the era of the French Revolution to recent social movements, underscores the importance of dialogue and responsiveness in resolving conflicts that emerge from civil unrest, particularly when involving young people and their education.