French Education

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First trial opens over Paris after-school sexual abuse scandal

An activity leader was to appear on Tuesday, May 5, before the Paris criminal court. He is accused of sexually harassing nine primary school girls and sexually assaulting three of them.

Published yesterday at 2:19 pm (Paris), updated yesterday at 2:20 pm Violaine Morin

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'The narrative offered to French students completely ignores the Black figures who shaped France's history'

French history teacher Benoît Drouot writes that, despite the universalist ideals claimed by the French public education system, the numerous Black figures who 'played an active role in building our democratic and republican system' remain persistently sidelined in school curricula.

Published on May 3, 2026, at 11:50 pm (Paris), updated on May 4, 2026, at 8:16 am Benoît Drouot

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Are language disorders on the rise in France? Concern grows in the era of screens

Testing among young children has expanded significantly in recent years, but there is a lack of studies to assess their prevalence.

Published on April 24, 2026, at 4:00 am (Paris), updated on April 25, 2026, at 10:00 am Solène Cordier Camille Stromboni

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University of Strasbourg moves to expel international students over unpaid tuition

The university is preparing to drop around 40 master's students who have been unable to pay the nearly €4,000 increased tuition fees required of non-EU students. Few universities have enforced this measure. The government wants that to change.

Published on April 22, 2026, at 5:22 pm (Paris), updated on April 22, 2026, at 5:27 pm Soazig Le Nevé

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'I've ruined my life, it's over': French teen stands trial for premeditated murder of Spanish teacher

Agnès Lassalle was fatally stabbed during class by a student at a high school in Saint-Jean-de-Luz in 2023. The student, who was 16 years old at the time, is standing trial for premeditated murder before a juvenile criminal court from April 21 to 24.

Published on April 21, 2026, at 9:35 am (Paris) Lucie Soullier

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Paris Mayor Grégoire unveils plan to tackle sexual violence in after-school programs: 'I want to guarantee complete transparency for families'

Paris's new mayor outlines his measures, including transparency, enhanced training and stricter oversight. Starting in April, a citizens' convention will debate the organization of the school week and day, including the current 4.5-day week for children.

Published on April 3, 2026, at 11:52 am (Paris), updated on April 3, 2026, at 11:56 am Hélène Bekmezian Sylvie Lecherbonnier Violaine Morin

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Eleni Glykatzi-Ahrweiler, prominent Byzantist and first female rector of the Sorbonne, dies at 99

In 1976, the Greek historian became the first woman to lead the famed Paris university in its 700-year history. The wide body of scholarly Byzantine work she established remains influential today.

Published on February 16, 2026, at 11:23 pm (Paris), updated on February 17, 2026, at 9:21 am Le Monde with AFP

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'To revive a strong integration policy, it must become a government priority, separate from the issue of immigration'

Although their backgrounds vary, many children of North African immigrants today recall how important community-based education was during their youth. These social policies, which have now disappeared from ministerial agendas, are examined in this column by Le Monde columnist Philippe Bernard.

Published on February 5, 2026, at 12:20 am (Paris), updated on February 5, 2026, at 9:59 am Philippe Bernard

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France's under-15 social media ban: 'Parents are being asked to do the dirty work that the government has refused to impose'

In every sector related to public health, it is up to the manufacturer to demonstrate the safety of their product before it goes on the market, and digital platforms should not be exempt from this logic, argues neuroscientist Thibaud Dumas.

Published on January 30, 2026, at 3:32 am (Paris), updated on January 30, 2026, at 8:55 am Thibaud Dumas

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France's Assemblée Nationale approves social media ban for under-15s

The legislation also bans the use of mobile phones by students in high schools. Backed by the government, the bill put forward by MP Laure Miller will benefit from a fast-track procedure, announced by President Emmanuel Macron.

Published on January 27, 2026, at 3:02 am (Paris), updated on January 27, 2026, at 4:15 pm Morgane Tual Violaine Morin

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France is considering banning phones in high schools. This school near Paris already does.

The Lycée Michelet, a large school complex with 2,300 students, banned mobile phones in its hallways in April 2025. School officials report positive results from a decision made in agreement with the entire educational community.

Published on January 24, 2026, at 6:30 pm (Paris) Violaine Morin

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Confusion over closure of France's Bétharram Catholic school after abuse scandal

France's Catholic school federation announced Thursday the closure of the establishment, targeted by numerous complaints of violence and rape from former students. Separate authorities denied this just hours later. In practice, the school is likely to come under new supervision.

Published on January 23, 2026, at 3:14 pm (Paris) Violaine Morin Sarah Belouezzane

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More than 1.7 million French schoolchildren face high 'pesticide pressure' levels

Le Monde and a team of 10 scientists have established a barometer to measure the potential pesticide exposure level around every French school.

Published on December 20, 2025, at 5:02 pm (Paris) Raphaëlle Aubert

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Sexual assault reports draw scrutiny to France's after-school sector

For several months, reports of sexual assaults on children outside regular school hours have multiplied in Paris and across France. This phenomenon remains difficult to quantify and define, affecting a sector that is poorly regulated and lacks clear boundaries.

Published on December 16, 2025, at 5:30 am (Paris) Lorraine de Foucher Eléa Pommiers

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Editorial

French municipalities are the guardians of child protection

As a citizen's convention on children's schedules has just been held, it is time to view after-school activity coordination as a real profession, with proper training, recruitment and recognition for those working in childhood education and care.

Published on December 13, 2025, at 1:29 pm (Paris) Le Monde

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French students have become better informed about secularism, but also more critical

More aware than previous generations, French students are also more willing to question laïcité, the French concept of secularism – particularly in the name of individual freedom. For teachers, dialogue remains central to teaching these principles.

Published on December 9, 2025, at 5:26 pm (Paris) Violaine Morin

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December 2 strike in France: What to expect in transport, schools and public services

Unions are striking Tuesday to pressure the government as budget talks resume at the Assemblée nationale. Public services and schools will see disruptions, while transport should stay largely unaffected.

Published on December 1, 2025, at 7:22 pm (Paris), updated on December 3, 2025, at 2:50 pm Le Monde with AFP

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How Islamology stepped out of French academia's shadows after the 2015 jihadist attacks

Once a jewel of French research, Islamology began to decline in the 1980s, but the 2015 attacks forced authorities to refocus their efforts in this field of knowledge. Although the discipline has since experienced something of a revival, its recovery remains fragile, both as an academic subject and a highly political issue.

Published on November 30, 2025, at 7:00 pm (Paris) Virginie Larousse

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Editorial

Putting children's needs back at the heart of education

The proposals independently developed by the 133 members of a citizens' convention offer a welcome break from the current organization of school schedules in France. It is now up to elected officials and education professionals to take them up.

Published on November 25, 2025, at 12:00 pm (Paris) Le Monde

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Read the full 'manifesto' of the French citizens' convention on children's time

The 133-member citizens' convention goup submitted its final report on children's time and included a manifesto. Here's the full text.

Published on November 24, 2025, at 6:30 pm (Paris) Sylvie Lecherbonnier Eléa Pommiers

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French citizens' convention calls for sweeping school schedule reform

The 133 randomly selected participants of the citizens' convention a five-day school week with major changes to how learning is structured, while choosing to leave the vacation calendar largely untouched.

Published on November 24, 2025, at 6:20 pm (Paris) Sylvie Lecherbonnier Eléa Pommiers

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Sofia Corradi, founder of Erasmus study program, dies at 91

Known as 'Mamma Erasmus,' she viewed the exchange program, which has sent approximately 16 million students to study abroad throughout Europe, as her 'personal pacifist mission.'

Published on October 19, 2025, at 2:49 pm (Paris), updated on October 20, 2025, at 2:38 pm Le Monde with AFP

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Philippe Aghion, 2025 Nobel in economics laureate: 'The key factor of economic power is technological leadership'

The French economist was part of a trio that won the 2025 Economics Nobel Prize. In an interview, he argued that France and Europe must invest in innovation to maintain their status as economic powers.

Published on October 13, 2025, at 8:30 pm (Paris), updated on October 13, 2025, at 9:18 pm Pascal Riché

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France arrests teen after knife attack on music teacher

The wounds sustained by the 66-year-old teacher in Benfeld, a town near Strasbourg in the east of the country, were not life-threatening, authorities said.

Published on September 24, 2025, at 2:46 pm (Paris), updated on September 24, 2025, at 7:29 pm Le Monde with AFP

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Round-up

Strikes in France on September 18: What to expect

For the first time since 2023, labor unions have called for protests across all sectors, from schools to transport, in opposition to austerity measures in the 2026 budget plan which the new prime minister has not ruled out.

Published on September 17, 2025, at 10:40 am (Paris), updated on September 17, 2025, at 2:52 pm Aline Leclerc, Guy Dutheil, Pierre Manière, Jonathan Parienté, Adrien Pécout, Jules Thomas, Eléa Pommiers, Zeliha Chaffin and Brice Laemle

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When students push back on professors using AI: 'He's telling us not to use it and then using it himself'

Since 2023, university professors have questioned the widespread use of generative AI tools by students. But tensions can also arise when the opposite occurs.

Published on September 6, 2025, at 2:04 am (Paris), updated on September 6, 2025, at 10:21 am Séverin Graveleau

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'Japan's lesson is clear: Simply reducing the school schedule is not enough for children's well-being'

Christian Galan, an expert on the Japanese education system, explains in an op-ed for Le Monde that less time in school does not necessarily mean more freedom or equality for children, when private, competitive organizations take over the freed-up time.

Published on September 4, 2025, at 4:48 am (Paris), updated on September 4, 2025, at 11:51 am Christian Galan

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For France's teachers, a back-to-school season marked by growing weariness

While they still say they love their profession, teachers expressed growing fatigue in the face of overcrowded classrooms, ever-dwindling resources, and nonstop reforms that leave their jobs uncertain. As a result, many are considering leaving the field altogether.

Published on September 2, 2025, at 5:30 am (Paris) Eléa Pommiers Sylvie Lecherbonnier

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'Interactions between scientists, policymakers and citizens must be rebuilt'

In the wake of recent political setbacks on health and environmental issues, biologists Gilles Bœuf and Marc-André Selosse are calling for better training of scientists in communicating their discoveries and for placing life sciences and environmental studies at the heart of school curricula.

Published on August 27, 2025, at 2:40 am (Paris), updated on August 27, 2025, at 2:40 pm Gilles Boeuf Marc-André Selosse

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News

Palestinian student in France probed over 'hateful' online posts

The Sciences Po Lille university canceled the student's accreditation on Wednesday. Screenshots of posts the student allegedly shared include an image of Adolf Hitler and words appearing to call for the death of Jews.

Published on July 31, 2025, at 4:52 pm (Paris), updated on August 1, 2025, at 11:17 am Le Monde with AFP

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Editorial

To tackle abuses in French schools, state oversight must be strengthened

The report by the parliamentary committee on violence by adults against children in schools breaks a long and terrible silence. The time has now come for solutions and increased vigilance, particularly in the case of private schools.

Published on July 3, 2025, at 12:00 pm (Paris) Le Monde

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School violence in France: Report presents 50 recommendations to break 'culture of silence'

Following a major scandal around abuses at a Catholic school, a report by two members of Parliament offers an unprecedented overview and analysis of violence committed by 'adults in positions of authority' against children.

Published on July 2, 2025, at 11:55 am (Paris) Sylvie Lecherbonnier Violaine Morin Eléa Pommiers

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Heatwave forces some French schools to close, as others struggle to cope

Education Minister Elisabeth Borne has turned to a 'case-by-case approach' in response to high temperatures. Around 200 schools have closed.

Published on June 30, 2025, at 10:17 am (Paris), updated on June 30, 2025, at 4:15 pm Sylvie Lecherbonnier

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'For the French left, inspiration could come from across the Channel'

With the nationalization of railways, a minimum wage increase and higher employer contributions to fund social protections, Keir Starmer's Labour government could serve as an example of effective left-wing policy, writes economist Philippe Askenazy.

Published on June 22, 2025, at 3:33 am (Paris), updated on June 22, 2025, at 1:12 pm Philippe Askenazy

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France says it supports Harvard, welcomes foreign students

'We stand with Harvard faculty, with Harvard students, facing unjustified stress and anxiety right now,' Jean-Noël Barrot said at France's top business school commencement address in Paris.

Published on June 14, 2025, at 11:47 pm (Paris), updated on June 15, 2025, at 11:04 am Le Monde with AFP

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Education minister urges focus on youth mental health after school knife attack

French Education Minister Elisabeth Borne, speaking after a 14-year-old pupil fatally stabbed a teaching assistant on Tuesday, said schools needed to adopt a 'safety net' to help pupils suffering from psychological distress

Published on June 13, 2025, at 7:03 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

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French government overwhelmed by school knife attacks

After widespread shock sparked by the death of a middle school teaching assistant, who was stabbed by a pupil on Tuesday, the government has been searching for ways to prevent these attacks. Their solutions have so far proven ineffective.

Published on June 11, 2025, at 11:18 am (Paris) Sylvie Lecherbonnier

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Teaching assistant fatally stabbed by a pupil outside a school in eastern France

President Emmanuel Macron denounced a 'senseless wave of violence' after the attack, which took place outside a school in Nogent. The suspect was arrested.

Published on June 10, 2025, at 12:52 pm (Paris), updated on June 10, 2025, at 10:10 pm Le Monde with AFP

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Netflix hit 'Adolescence' will be shown in French schools, government announces

French Education Minister Elisabeth Borne said the British series, whose fictional story of a 13-year-old boy who murders a female classmate has sparked widespread debates about boys' exposure to misogynistic content online, would be shown in French schools. The move follows a similar initiative by the British government.

Published on June 9, 2025, at 4:02 pm (Paris), updated on June 9, 2025, at 4:22 pm Le Monde with AFP

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Lab mice sent to retire in a French elementary school classroom

A pilot project by the Ethosph'R organization follows the adaptation of rodents while offering children education in ethology.

Published on May 26, 2025, at 2:34 am (Paris), updated on May 26, 2025, at 9:24 am Stéphanie Wenger

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Editorial

Learning all the lessons from the Bétharram Catholic school child abuse scandal

Prime Minister François Bayrou's hearing by a parliamentary inquiry commission on Wednesday took a political turn. Beyond the cover-up accusations, the lawmakers' work must lead to real progress, to allow victims to truly express themselves and have effective prevention.

Published on May 15, 2025, at 11:45 am (Paris) Le Monde

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Macron announces citizens' convention on school schedules, a move met with skepticism

The French president wants to restructure how schoolchildren's time is managed, tackling a highly sensitive issue. Teachers' unions called it a diversion.

Published on May 4, 2025, at 1:11 pm (Paris) Violaine Morin

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School knife attack in western France: Prosecutor says suspect had no clear motive

After a stabbing attack in a high school killed a 15-year-old girl and injured three other pupils, the prosecutor spoke about the suspect, a student, saying he was 'solitary' but that no 'certain' motive had been found.

Published on April 25, 2025, at 7:44 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

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French city in shock after death of student stabbed in high school

A 15-year-old girl was attacked with a knife in her classroom at a private high school in Nantes by a fellow student. Three other students were injured. The suspect, age 16, was arrested and hospitalized in a psychiatric facility.

Published on April 25, 2025, at 9:30 am (Paris) Anne-Hélène Dorison Yan Gauchard

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French PM's daughter tells her own experience of abuse in Catholic school

François Bayrou's eldest child, Hélène Perlant, revealed how she was beaten and kicked by a priest when she was a 14-year-old pupil in Notre-Dame de Bétharram in a new book published on Thursday about systemic abuse in the Pyrénées school.

Published on April 24, 2025, at 10:23 am (Paris), updated on April 24, 2025, at 2:43 pm Eléa Pommiers Robin Richardot

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No obsession with gender in French social sciences, vast study finds

A team led by sociologist Etienne Ollion conducted an in-depth investigation into the role of gender issues in 120 scientific publications. The focus on gender went from 9% of the total in 2001 to 11.4% in 2022.

Published on April 9, 2025, at 5:00 am (Paris) Valentine Faure

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Cartoonist accuses French Education Ministry of censorship for canceling his 'Beauty and the Beast'

A comic book version of the 18th-century tale was supposed to be gifted to all children entering middle school this summer. But at the last minute, officials canceled its printing. Cartoonist Jul compared the move to 'Trump and his administration.'

Published on March 21, 2025, at 2:10 pm (Paris) Ariane Chemin

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'Miss, will there be a war?': Global upheavals and Trump in the classroom

As with every geopolitical crisis, teachers in France have to answer their pupils' questions. In high school, the syllabus is constantly impacted by current events.

Published on March 12, 2025, at 12:00 am (Paris) Sylvie Lecherbonnier

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Nazi salutes and anti-Semitism under investigation at French universities

Since January 30, there have been five notable incidents of anti-Semitism at French universities, including Nazi salutes. Three investigations are underway in different places.

Published on March 5, 2025, at 5:38 pm (Paris), updated on May 26, 2025, at 4:23 pm Dounia Dimou

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'Let's defend science against anti-knowledge efforts'

Echoing the American protest movement against Donald Trump's policies, a collective of prominent French figures is calling on citizens and scientists to join the 'Stand up for Science' movement, as well as a national day of action on March 7.

Published on March 4, 2025, at 12:46 am (Paris), updated on March 4, 2025, at 7:24 am Le Monde

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'Sometimes I think I'd rather be dead than go to piano class': The children traumatized by the conservatoire

In a demanding discipline, where enjoyment can be secondary, many children drop out of their musical studies, leaving them with a sense of failure. But teaching styles and the schools' attitude to their futures, whether as amateurs or professionals, can make all the difference.

Published on February 22, 2025, at 12:45 pm (Paris) Ophélie Neiman

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Artificial intelligence: How ChatGPT is transforming cheating in schools

The widespread use of OpenAI's chatbot by students, some as early as junior high school, has teachers worried. This is particularly true of humanities teachers, as the tool is particularly effective in these areas.

Published on February 11, 2025, at 4:38 am (Paris), updated on November 5, 2025, at 2:47 pm Violaine Morin

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Gender stereotypes in France widen gap between boys and girls in math

An international survey unveiled on December 4, found that France is the country with the biggest performance gap between girls and boys in mathematics in the fourth grade.

Published on December 4, 2024, at 5:58 pm (Paris) Sylvie Lecherbonnier

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Why UChicago is opening a Paris campus: 'The possibility of studying abroad is an argument in the battle between major American universities'

The university, home to 101 Nobel Prize winners, has invested €30 million to provide a new showcase for some 125 of its students to able to study in the French capital every term.

Published on November 1, 2024, at 1:35 am (Paris), updated on November 1, 2024, at 9:40 am Charlotte Bozonnet

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Sciences Po Strasbourg cuts ties with Israeli university over Gaza war

The French university broke off relations with the Reichman University near Tel Aviv, accusing it of 'warmongering' stances over the Gaza war.

Published on October 31, 2024, at 5:01 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

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Editorial

Teaching in France after the murders of Samuel Paty and Dominique Bernard

The two murders committed by radicalized Islamists make it clear that public schools can be targeted for their values. Ongoing support from the French government is crucial for teachers to find peace of mind and educate their pupils effectively.

Published on October 15, 2024, at 3:10 pm (Paris) Le Monde

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One year after a terrorist murdered a teacher, an entire community's trauma persists

A tribute was paid to murdered literature teacher Dominique Bernard on Friday, at the school in northern France where he was killed. A public ceremony is being organized on Sunday, with Isabelle Bernard, the teacher's widow.

Published on October 13, 2024, at 11:35 am (Paris) Eléa Pommiers

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Isabelle Bernard, wife of murdered French teacher: 'Secularism is a framework for living well together'

Dominique Bernard's wife has not spoken publicly since her husband's murder in Arras on October 13, 2023. In an interview with Le Monde, she speaks about her husband's values of humanism and tolerance.

Published on October 13, 2024, at 10:06 am (Paris) Christophe Ayad Sylvie Lecherbonnier

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Paris teacher suspended for hitting 3-year-old pupil

The suspension was announced the day after the release of a video, recorded by a pupil's mother, showing this teacher at a nursery school delivering a violent blow to the back of a tearful pupil.

Published on September 10, 2024, at 3:34 pm (Paris), updated on September 10, 2024, at 3:35 pm Le Monde with AFP

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Full ban on cell phones in some French middle schools raises questions

To improve academic performance and combat bullying, the government aims to implement a total 'digital break' in some schools. Unions and local authorities view it as an ineffective and costly experiment.

Published on September 4, 2024, at 5:03 pm (Paris), updated on September 4, 2024, at 5:24 pm Sylvie Lecherbonnier

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