High school students in France face police repression and administrative threats during blockades, with schools like Marie-Curie and Marc-Bloch becoming sites of tension and intimidation.
Students face repression during blockades
High school students in France have encountered significant police and judicial pressure since the start of the blockades. Some school administrations have also supported these repressive actions against the students' movement.Initial support from Marie-Curie High School
At Marie-Curie High School in Strasbourg, the blockades began on October 1st, 2026. Initially, the administration and teachers appeared to support the students. They closed the school, implemented remote learning, and communicated with students through messages sent to parents and students.Teachers organize in solidarity
Teachers at Marie-Curie High School organized a meeting on October 6th to show their support for the students and to vote on demands. A teacher, who wished to remain anonymous, described the meeting as a collective effort to back the students' cause.Shift in administration's stance
During the second week of blockades, the administration's attitude toward the students changed. A student named Franz claimed that the school's CPE (student counselor) threatened to file a complaint against him, causing fear for his future, especially regarding his upcoming Bac (final exams).Administrative intimidation tactics
The administration aimed to isolate and guilt the students, according to a teacher at Marie-Curie. Other parents received phone calls and unexplained summons to meetings where students were accused of causing trouble without clear evidence.Threats and intimidation during meetings
During one meeting, a student named Édouard was confronted by the principal and other staff. He recalled a threatening statement: "If there are ten names to give to the police, we will know which ones to give." This marked a shift in the atmosphere, with increased intimidation tactics.Blockades spread to Marc-Bloch High School
At Marc-Bloch High School in Bischheim, the first blockade on October 1st saw outsiders joining the students. The school entrance was set on fire, and a window was smashed. The administration then requested staff to report incidents or provide evidence of student misconduct.Administrative betrayal felt by students
The administration's request for evidence was seen as a betrayal by students and teachers. The information about the request only reached students ten days later, causing frustration and a sense of being set up.Reopening and police intervention
In the last week before school holidays, the administration of Marie-Curie High School announced the reopening of the school. However, police arrived quickly, using tear gas to clear the blockade. Students faced a difficult path through tear gas to enter the school.Consequences of reopening
The reopening led to students' absences being marked as "unjustified," which affects their records. Teachers who supported the students faced pressure to note these absences, fearing repercussions if they did not comply.Continued mobilization
Despite the reopening, students at Marie-Curie High School continued their mobilization. They planned to block the school again, emphasizing that their actions were not to avoid classes but to push for their demands. They intend to resume the movement at the start of the next term.
