The Association Française pour l'Enseignement du Français (AFEF) has expressed its support for high school students and university students who are mobilizing for their rights and future. The group reminds the government of the meaning of "dialogue," which comes from the Greek word logos, meaning "word" or "speech." It refers to a discussion between two parties seeking a compromise. However, adults in positions of authority are harming and mistreating students, according to the AFEF. As teachers, researchers, and educators, the members of the AFEF clearly support the students who are organizing and fighting for their rights and future. They commend the students' commitment, organization, and solidarity. The large-scale mobilization sends a powerful political message: better-off students are rejecting individualism and standing with those who are most vulnerable, fighting against underfunded resources and regional inequalities that undermine equal opportunities. This is a beautiful example of solidarity.
The AFEF condemns the government's response to the protests. Before September, the government had already shown a form of violence by not listening to concerns raised by policies such as Parcoursup (2018), the high school reform (2019), and the management of the health crisis (2020). Successive ministers have continued to undermine public services and worsen inequalities. Current warnings from Ligue des Droits de l'Homme and Amnesty International about police misconduct and the need for de-escalation must be taken seriously. Repressing a generation demanding justice and dignity is not the answer. The mobilized students are showing great creativity in their slogans. Funny and impactful, sometimes tough, these slogans reflect a strong command of language, deep critical thinking, and a real engagement with literature (for example, "Tyrants are great only because we are on our knees," a quote from La Boétie can be seen on banners). However, it is easier to mock their spelling than to appreciate their inventiveness, which hits the mark.
The students' demands are political, not whimsical, and show their commitment to an equal and fraternal society, a republican society that addresses the crucial issues affecting their future. Far from the image of aimless teenagers dumbed down by screens, these students see themselves as responsible citizens, concerned about the future. They are also future voters. Facing climate crisis, injustice, and the organized selection process of Parcoursup, their concerns align with the AFEF's goals regarding education and teaching the language and discourse skills needed to reduce inequalities. We hope that the announcements made after the October 6 demonstration are not empty promises, meaningful only to those who believe in them. We hope that police violence stops, dialogue begins, and genuine listening with appropriate responses finally becomes a reality. Enough of the disdain: their voices demand to be heard. And we support them.
French Education Association Supports Student Protests Over Reforms and Inequality
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