Students block entrances at Assas Melun campus

On Monday, October 12, students at the Assas Melun campus in Seine-et-Marne blocked the entrances to four of the campus buildings as part of a protest. This action followed a similar mobilization at the Assas Paris campus the previous week and represents a notable shift for the Melun campus, which is not usually associated with social movements.

Protest inspired by Assas Paris students

Camille, an 18-year-old student, said the decision to protest was influenced by the actions of students at Assas Paris, which she described as a stronghold of the far right. She expressed solidarity with high school students, emphasizing that the movement's demands are not limited to political divisions but concern the rights of all students.

Poor conditions at former high school highlighted

Seynabou, an 18-year-old first-year law student, shared her experiences of poor conditions at her former high school, Jean-Moulin in Torcy. She described issues such as falling roofs, frequent floods, and inadequate equipment. A 2025 report by the Alliance écologique et sociale (AES) collective found that 20 to 30 percent of school buildings in France are dilapidated or unsuitable for extreme climate events.

Infrastructure problems at Assas Melun

Students at Assas Melun also reported issues with infrastructure, including malfunctioning computers that prevented a professor from sending out course materials and a lack of ventilation in the Reine Blanche auditorium, which led to uncomfortable conditions during classes.

Disparities between public and private schools

Mehdi, a second-year law student, highlighted the disparity in educational conditions between private and public schools. He emphasized the importance of accessible and decent educational environments for all students and expressed solidarity with those who have not had the same opportunities.

Inequities between Paris and Melun campuses

The students also raised concerns about the differences in treatment between the Paris and Melun campuses. Some professors do not travel to Melun, leading to courses being conducted via podcast. Camille described this as unfair, stating that students at Melun feel like "outcasts" despite having the same diplomas and requirements as their Paris counterparts.

Broader frustrations beyond academics

Mathilde, a 19-year-old student who did not participate in the blockade, expressed understanding of her classmates' frustrations. She noted that the difficulties extend beyond academic challenges to administrative procedures, such as registration issues.

Community members show support

The mobilization has also drawn attention from local community members, including Fatiya Mothay, a parent representative and parliamentary assistant to LFI deputy Arnaud Saint-Martin. She described the distress faced by families due to issues like absent teachers and lack of support for students with special needs.

Preparations for potential police presence

Despite concerns about police presence and potential violence, students have prepared with items such as eye drops, masks, and first aid kits, showing their determination to continue the protest. According to the Ministry of Justice, over 6,800 people have been arrested since the start of the demonstrations, with 86 percent being minors, and four teenagers have been seriously injured.

Protest highlights systemic issues

The protest has brought attention to the broader issues facing students in both high schools and universities. It highlights the need for improved conditions and equitable treatment across all campuses, reflecting a growing demand for systemic change in the education sector.