France’s 3,024-teacher pledge has not stopped student protests

What does the government’s teacher pledge cover?

Education Minister Édouard Geffray said 3,024 substitute teachers were being contacted for assignments to schools with the most critical staffing problems. The Education Ministry said the measure would take effect immediately and cost several dozen million euros.

The staffing gaps are substantial. Nearly 10% of teaching hours at French state high schools are unstaffed, Reuters reported, citing Education Ministry figures. The pledge targets schools with the greatest shortages, while Lecornu’s broader plan is due by the end of October.

Student unions described the staffing pledge as a first gain but said their campaign would continue. Marius Mesnil, a student union representative, told Euronews, “we're being offered a few crumbs.”

How are protests affecting schools and students?

The Education Ministry reported 141 of France’s 3,700 high schools closed Friday, after reporting 157 at midday Thursday. It said more than 96% of high schools were open.

Closures and blockades have disrupted lessons. Geffray said tens of thousands of students had already been deprived of instruction in buildings damaged during the unrest, a disruption distinct from students’ original complaints about school conditions.

The demands extend beyond filling vacant teaching hours. Geffray acknowledged concerns about school buildings, schedules, coursework and teacher replacements. Public-school classes average roughly 25 pupils for ages 11 to 15, PBS reported.

A teacher interviewed by Truthout described a broader set of demands: more resources for public education, school repairs, free meals and support staff, as well as an end to university selection through Parcoursup. That account adds to the focus on everyday conditions and access to further education.

Why is policing part of the dispute?

Police tactics have become another point of contention. France temporarily suspended stun-grenade use at high school demonstrations after the teenager’s injury, pending clarification of what happened.

Lecornu said police had not been instructed to confront high school students. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez defended police actions as necessary to maintain public order. The U.N. human-rights office said it was following protest-related incidents with concern and called for peaceful assembly and proportionate use of force.

The Justice Ministry’s updated tally showed more than 6,800 people had been taken into police custody since the movement began; 86% were minors, and 21 had been jailed. For Thursday, the Interior Ministry reported 504 arrests and 48 police officers and gendarmes injured.

Protesters and human-rights groups have alleged excessive force, and France has opened internal investigations into alleged misconduct. The next planned protest is Tuesday, Oct. 13; Lecornu’s broader plan is due by the end of the month.